Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2011
118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that traditional geographic and catchment restrictions placed on long stay public hospitals for older persons have now been removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39337/11]
View answerA fundamental principle enshrined in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 is that of patient choice. Once a person receives approval for financial support, they can choose to enter any nursing home that is participating in the scheme in any part of the country, subject to the nursing home having an available bed and being able to cater for the person's particular needs. This applies to public, private and voluntary nursing homes alike.
