Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2004
340 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be given the maximum support and assistance when they are released from the Mater Hospital and to ensure they receive a back-up home service. [3672/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Dublin 3 area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Northern Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Since my appointment as Minister of State, I have been encouraging the authority and the health boards to introduce home care packages, including home based subvention for clients applying for nursing home subvention, as an alternative to long-stay residential care. The criteria that apply for home based subvention are the same that apply for nursing home subvention. I am pleased to advise that a number of health boards are developing personal care packages that are more focused on individual care needs. These include the public health nurse service, attendance at day care, day hospital and rehabilitation and the provision of respite care, home help and care assistance. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
