asked the Minister for Health the control he exercises over privately owned nursing homes; if he is aware of the rate of charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private Nursing Homes.
10.
The following controls are exercised over private nursing homes:
Private maternity homes must be registered by the health board in whose area they are situated. Authorised officers of my Department and of the health board are entitled to inspect such homes from time to time, as considered desirable.
Private homes for incapacitated persons, that is for old people, et cetera, must also be registered by the appropriate health board and authorised officers of the board are empowered to inspect as considered desirable.
Other private nursing homes are inspected by authorised officers of my Department only in cases where an application is made for approval for the care of eligible Health Act patients.
As such homes are private. I have no control over the charges but I understand that in the Dublin area, they vary from approximately £13 to £30 and upwards per week.
I understand that conditions generally in such homes are satisfactory and I am always willing to have specific complaints relating to them investigated.
Do the Department ever set standards?
We carry out inspections to satisfy ourselves that the homes are adequately maintained. That is sufficient.
Are there sample inspections?
We inspect them. We have requested the health boards to make regular inspections of these institutions.