Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018

Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Questions (403)

Peter Burke

Question:

403. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the way in which the transitional care funding works, which funding is in place to bridge the gap in the interim for fair deal applicants who are occupying a bed in an acute facility but can be admitted to a nursing home; the definition of acute facility in this context; the person who pays for the bridging loan; the way in which it is recouped; if there are proposed changes to this practice being considered as part of the review of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30075/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

There has been a sustained focus in recent years on reducing delayed discharges and enabling patients to be discharged from hospital sooner. Additional measures, including Home Support Packages and transitional care approvals to private nursing homes are funded through Services for Older People and not through the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS). There is no cost to the patient or resident and therefore no bridging loan or recoupment is necessary. There are no plans to make changes to the NHSS in this regard.