Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Health

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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767. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications under the fair deal scheme are taking in excess of 12 weeks to process, and that applications for loans under the scheme are taking almost as long; his view on the effects this hardship this is having on patients' family members who officially have no obligation to meet the nursing home costs of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [29715/14]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE operates a national placement list to enable it to operate within the budget for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. All applicants, once the financial assessment is complete and they have been approved for funding, are put on the placement list in chronological order to ensure equity nationally. This includes applicants who have also applied for Ancillary State Support (Nursing Home Loan). The HSE makes every effort to match available funding to demand by releasing funding on a weekly basis.

On the 19th June (latest figures available), there were 1,390 people on the national placement list for funding, with average waiting times of approximately 10 weeks. The placement list is essential to ensure the Scheme remains in budget. Funding is released weekly, to ensure those on the placement list receive funding as soon as possible.

Individuals who are awaiting funding approval can contact their local Area Manager's Office to discuss their circumstances and the options that may be available to them pending Nursing Home Support Scheme funding becoming available. The provision of services must, however, be managed with due regard to available resources.

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