HL Deb 15 October 2002 vol 639 cc46-7WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What evidence they have received of the exclusion of residents of care homes from any benefit from the introduction of free nursing care; and whether they will be amending the central contract for local National Health Service bodies which states how the registered nursing care contribution should be used; and [HL5819]

What representations they have had from the Alzheimer's Society about the exclusion of people with dementia from the benefits of free nursing care; and what reply they are making. [HL5820]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

We are aware that the Alzheimer's Society has recently issued a briefing paper on this issue. My honourable friend the Minister of State for Health (Ms Jacqui Smith) will shortly be meeting the society's chief executive to discuss the issues raised in the paper and care services for people with dementia.

The National Health Service has a duty to determine eligibility for NHS funding of care from a registered nurse in a care home. This is done through the directions issued by the Secretary of State for Health and the practice guide and workbook that explains how the registered nursing care contribution should be carried out by nurses, rather than through the model contract. There are no current plans to amend the workbook. If someone disagrees with the decision to place someone in a particular band, they can ask for a review to be undertaken. Ultimately, people also have access to a local continuing care panel to consider this further if necessary.

People who are currently supported by a local authority, to whom NHS funding will be extended from April 2003, will have the benefit of NHS involvement in their care and improved access to other NHS services. The directions to the NHS that currently apply to those who fund the costs of their care themselves will be amended prior to April 2003 to reflect the NHS's new funding responsibilities for residents receiving care from registered nurses in care homes who are also supported by local authorities.