asked the Minister for Health if he will consider approving more nursing homes where patients qualify for monthly subsidies in view of the curtailment of health services generally, also taking into account the lower costs for patients in such homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - New Nursing Homes.
220.
The health boards are responsible for the provision of long term care in their respective areas and are in receipt of many applications for approval of new nursing homes under section 54 of the Health Act, 1970, for subvention purposes.
A substantial number of beds in nursing homes are already being subvented by health boards. The emphasis in health policy for the aged is for health boards to concentrate resources on developing community services for the elderly rather than providing subventions in respect of maintenance of patients in private nursing homes.
Due to the existing difficult financial situation health boards are unable to incur additional expenditure and further approvals are being deferred for the present.