Vol. 511 No. 1
140 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the commitment given in the Adjournment debate of 29 September 1999, he will examine the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; his decision in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23855/99]
The person referred to by the Deputy has been approved by the Eastern Health Board for a nursing home subvention of £120 per week to be utilised in the private nursing home of his choice. He is currently a patient in Hampstead Hospital which is a private psychiatric hospital, registered in accordance with the mental treatment Acts. Unfortunately, he cannot avail of the subvention in Hampstead Hospital as it is not registered in accordance with the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990.
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to the Adjournment debate on Wednesday 29 September, the matter has been referred to the Eastern Health Board for investigation. I understand from the board that a possible option would be to transfer the patient to either Elmhurst or the Alzheimer Care Centre, both of which are on the same campus as Hampstead Hospital, and both of which attract nursing home subvention. This would allow the patient to remain in the same location-environment and result in a reduction in the financial burden on the family. This transfer would be subject to the medical care needs of the patient being appropriate to either Elmhurst or the Alzheimer Care Centre.
