Vol. 563 No. 5
198 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the current average waiting time for applicants for nursing home subvention; the current average waiting time for applicants for enhanced nursing home subvention in the Southern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8443/03]
The Southern Health Board has informed my Department that it takes approximately three weeks from receipt of completed applications for the board to complete a financial review, arrange a medical dependency report by the public health nurse and communicate the amount of subvention payable to the applicant. In the event of insufficient information being received, it may be necessary for the board to further communicate with an applicant.
A person applying for an enhanced subvention from the board will be in receipt of basic subvention. The average waiting time for applicants on basic subvention to be approved for enhanced nursing home subvention is approximately 11 months. I am concerned at the length of the processing period. The provision of enhanced nursing home subvention is a discretionary matter for the board. Any enhancements granted are dealt with in the context of the funding available for the nursing home subvention scheme and the requirement for the board to remain within its budgetary allocation under the 1996 Health Amendment Act.
The board will continue to review the existing arrangements, which apply to applications for enhanced subvention, to ensure that the maximum number of applicants benefit from the available funding. The Southern Health Board will also continue to work closely with individuals on the waiting list and their families to assess those cases where an additional contribution can be made to resolve their current difficulties. In this way, it is envisaged that the board will be able to provide an increased contribution to a greater number of individuals on the waiting list for enhanced subvention.
