§ Mr. HopkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in England are being charged for personal care in(a) care homes and (b) the community. [164276]
§ Dr. LadymanThe estimate for the cost of introducing free personal care was prepared by Department of Health economists using a variety of data and assumptions. An explanatory note is available in the Library.
§ Mr. HopkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make future provision of nursing care given outside hospital free at the point of use; and if he will make a statement. [164277]
§ Dr. LadymanSince the introduction of national health service-funded nursing care in October 2001, people should have access to nursing care from a registered nurse, funded by the NHS, in all settings outside hospital.
1512W
§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to review the level of top-up fees paid by residents of care homes; and if he will make a statement. [164288]
§ Dr. LadymanGenerally, care home residents may not top-up their fees from their own resources if they are supported by the local council. The only exceptions are where individuals either are in receipt of the 12 weeks property disregard or have accessed the deferred payment scheme. Some supported care home residents may choose to pay for extras that are not part of their agreed care plan using their own resources. There are no current plans to review the level of top-up fees paid by residents.