§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will instruct health authorities, where they place patients in private and voluntary sector homes, to meet topping up costs; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoWhen a health authority accepts responsibility for a patient's in-patient care, it must meet the cost of that care in full, regardless of where it is provided. We have issued guidance, EL(91)108, a copy of which is available in the Library, to health authorities about the circumstances in which, under current legislation, they may make payments to independent sector residential care or nursing homes.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she will take to enforce the obligation of health authorities to provide nursing care for patients discharged from hospitals to nursing homes, by implementing the recommendations of this House's Social Security Committee contained in its fourth report of Session 1990–91, on the financing of private residential and nursing home fees; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe Government's response to the recommendations of the Committee's fourth report was fully set out in February 1992, Cm 1828.