HC Deb 26 May 1994 vol 244 cc298-9W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health who determines where responsibility for funding continuing care arrangements for specific individuals lies; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Bowis

Under the new community care arrange-ments local and health authorities are required to agree their respective responsibilities for long-term care.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will issue new guidance on the provision of continuing care to clarify under what specific circumstan-ces health authorities are expected to fund continuing care; and if she will make a statement.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to issue comprehensive guidance to health authorities and providers on the responsibility of the NHS to pay for continuing care.

Mr. Bowis

Under the community care arrangements local and health authorities were required to agree their respective resonsibilities for long-term care. The implementation of the community care arrangements has been carefully monitored. The need for any clarification of health and local authority responsibilities is being kept under review.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the responsibility of health authorities and local authorities when responsibility for funding continuing care is based upon reasons of ill health.

Mr. Bowis

The national health service is responsible for meeting needs for long-term healthcare. It is for local health purchasers to determine the level and type of services provided in the light of local needs, resources and clinical practice.