Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 160: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the success to date of the new fair deal arrangement in freeing up beds of persons whose discharge was delayed due to the lack of an appropriate placement for them; her views on the concern that many private nursing homes do not wish to take patients with high care needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16349/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is now the single system of financial support for people in need of long-term nursing home care from 27 October 2009. The scheme encompasses a care needs assessment which considers whether the person has sufficiently high care needs to warrant nursing home care or whether their care needs can be met in the community. A person must be assessed as needing long-term nursing home care in order to qualify for financial support. Therefore, the new funding arrangements encompassed within the Scheme should incentivise private nursing home providers to accept residents with high care needs.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme also contains a commitment to patient choice. A person wishing to avail of the scheme may choose any public or approved private nursing home subject to the availability of a place and the suitability of the home to meet the person's care needs. With regard to the issue of suitability, the responsibility rests with the particular nursing home provider to ensure that they can meet the prospective resident's care needs. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising the Health Act 2007, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 and the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.

The Health Act, 2007 provides for the registration and inspection of all nursing homes. Standards are a key requirement for registration and inspection of nursing homes and National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland are underpinned by the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009. The standards acknowledge the unique and complex needs of the individual person at the centre of care, and require service providers to deliver a person-centred and comprehensive service that promotes health, well-being and quality of life. If the nursing home is not in compliance with the Regulations it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status.

In addition, when applying for registration the registered provider must provide a statement of purpose for the designated centre. The statement will include details of the facilities and services which are to be provided, the maximum number of residents that can be accommodated at the centre and the range of needs that the centre is intended to meet. The staffing requirements of each nursing home will differ depending on its configuration, occupancy and dependency levels. As part of the Registration process each designated centred is inspected. Based on the range of services provided and the assessed needs of the residents, inspectors determine whether the nursing home complies with both the Standards and Care and Welfare Regulations and may set conditions concerning the type of service that can be provided at the home. As the Standards provide that "each resident has his/her needs assessed prior to moving into the home", it is a matter for the registered provider to determine whether the home can provide the services that will meet the assessed needs of prospective residents.

With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question concerning delayed discharges, I wish to advise that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 161: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the average processing time of applications for the fair deal scheme and the difference in processing time where there is no requirement to have a court appointed representative approved in respect of commitments to meet payments from a person's estate after death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16350/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 162: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on a meeting (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16361/10]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 218: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to a meeting of the 25 February 2010 regarding the provision of dementia services at Clarecastle Daycare Centre, County Clare, if she carried out an in-depth examination of the file; when she expects to report back to those who attended the meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16843/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 218 together.

On 25 February, 2010 I met with Oireachtas members from Clare and a deputation from Clarecastle Daycare Centre to discuss proposals regarding a new dementia unit. At the meeting I agreed to consider the issues raised and to meet again with the local representatives. I intend to reconvene this meeting shortly and have asked officials in my Office to make the necessary arrangements.