The report of the Ombudsman into the nursing home subvention scheme identified a number of issues relating to the operation of the scheme. It is the intention of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, to bring proposals to Government in regard to whatever additional measures may be necessary arising from the Ombudsman's report, The Expenditure Review of the Subvention Scheme, together with experience gained from the operation of the scheme since its inception in 1993.
Our immediate priority is to ensure the two aspects of the regulations that have the most direct impact on nursing home patients and their families are fully addressed without delay. Arrangements have been made to enable nursing home patients and their families who may be due payments arising from the provisions in the regulations relating to the retention of one fifth of the rate of non-contributory old age pension for personal use to be refunded speedily.
I am advised by the six health boards concerned that the amounts repaid are as follows:
|
£
|
Midland Health Board
|
148,378
|
Mid-Western Health Board
|
207,373
|
North Western Health Board
|
266,358
|
South Eastern Health Board
|
276,885
|
Southern Health Board
|
246,839
|
Western Health Board
|
95,508
|
Total paid to date
|
1,251,341
|
Where payments are still outstanding, the boards involved have been instructed to make the necessary arrangements to complete these payments as a matter of urgency.