Vol. 540 No. 1
251 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the circumstances of nursing home care being offered to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; his views on whether additional services such as occupational therapy should be provided to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19584/01]
Articles 30(b) and 31 of the Nursing Home (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993, state that the registered proprietor and the person in charge of the nursing home shall ensure that when a person requires physiotherapy, occupational therapy or other health service, such service is made available by the registered proprietor or by arrangement with the health board. These services may be provided by a health board to a nursing home at the request of the registered proprietor or person in charge upon such terms, charges and conditions and to such extent as the health board may determine, following discussion with the registered proprietor of the home. It is also open to a patient to make private arrangements for the provision of these services if they so wish.
In relation to the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the provision of health services in County Cork is a matter for the Southern Health Board. I have requested its chief executive officer to examine this case and respond directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
