§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in nursing homes have been assessed for contributions towards their nursing care since October 2002. [100871]
§ Mr. BrowneMonitoring of assessments carried out by Health and Social Services Trusts indicates that, since October 2002, approximately 1,400 people in nursing homes have been assessed for contributions towards the costs of their nursing care.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average amount of money per week awarded to those who have been assessed for contributions towards nursing care has been since October 2002. [100873]
§ Mr. BrowneSince October 2002 nursing home residents who have been assessed as eligible to receive payments for nursing care have benefited from a Health and Personal Social Services contribution of £100 per week towards the cost of their nursing care.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average period of time has been from an assessment for nursing care contributions taking place until receipt of the first payment by the patient. [100874]
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§ Mr. BrowneThe average period of time from an assessment for nursing care payments taking place until payment is received by the patient's nursing home is four weeks.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average length of time spent with a patient by medical staff has been when carrying out an assessment for a contribution to nursing care. [100875]
§ Mr. BrowneA nursing needs assessment is completed by a nurse. If any other needs are identified the appropriate professional will be asked to contribute to the assessment. Clients who agree to a nursing needs assessment undergo a specific assessment process using the agreed needs assessment tool. The average time spent by nursing needs assessors with a patient undergoing the assessment is 90 minutes. The assessment times can increase or decrease depending on the clients health and ability to participate, the information within nursing and medical notes, the representative/carers input to the assessment and the nursing home staffs evaluation of a clients needs. Further information may also be necessary in order to reach a decision.