HC Deb 16 July 2001 vol 372 c71W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for the funding of the costs of nursing care for the elderly; when the first payments for funding will be made; and if payments will be made directly to elderly people. [3646]

Jacqui Smith

Detailed guidance will be issued for consultation shortly.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition his Department will apply to nursing care in a residential home. [3647]

Jacqui Smith

The national health service, through local community nurses, already provides for the nursing needs of residential care home residents. There is no need for this to be defined.

A definition of what constitutes care by a registered nurse is set out at section 49 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001. When commenced, this will remove the ability of councils to provide nursing care by a registered nurse in nursing homes, paving the way for NHS nursing care.