I am aware that most of the health boards pay enhanced rates of subvention in particular cases. However, I understand that no priority waiting list for enhanced subvention is in operation in any health board area and that all applications are assessed in the normal way. I am satisfied that a sympathetic view is taken of cases where personal funds are exhausted, by increasing the level of subvention where possible. Where this does not solve a problem, a health board will try to provide accommodation in one of their own extended care facilities.
The additional funding provided this year to fund the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, brings the total amount available for the scheme to £33 million. I expect this funding will cover the costs of subvention under section 7 of the Act, together with the costs of increased demand for subventions, enhanced subventions and contract beds.
Under sections 52 (1) and 53 (1) of the Health Act, 1970, there is a statutory obligation to provide subject to charges where relevant, in-patient services to persons who have full eligibility. In-patient services are defined as "institutional services provided for persons while maintained in a hospital, convalescent home or home for persons suffering from physical or mental disability or in accommodation ancillary thereto."
However this obligation is qualified by section 2 (1)(a) of the Health (Amendment) (No. 3) Act, 1996 which states:
2.–(1) A health board, in performing the functions conferred on it by or under this Act or any other enactment, shall have regard to–
(a)the resources wherever originating, that are available to the board for the purpose of such performance and the need to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of such resources.
