Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Health the reason he plans rationalising the local offices which administer the fair deal scheme; his views on whether this will discommode the persons who rely on the service and will actually have a negative impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7808/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. A care needs assessment is carried out to determine if a person requires long term care, followed by a financial assessment to determine how much a person will contribute to their cost of care. Currently, the average processing time to complete the application process is 4 weeks.

The Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, published in July 2015 recommended the consolidation of the number of nursing homes support offices (NHSOs) from 17 local offices to 4 regional offices. Importantly the Review stated that there should still be a facility in the existing NHSOs to deal with queries from the public in relation to the Scheme and application process.

In line with the recommendation contained in the Review and as per the HSE's National Service Plan, 2017 the HSE is planning to improve efficiency and responsiveness for applicants by reducing the number of NHSOs from 17 to 5 during the current year. In implementing this development, the HSE will be maintaining a sufficient level of service in the existing local offices to ensure continuity of service and communication with the public. As a result, the existing local offices will continue to provide assistance to the public in regard to the Scheme.