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21/08/2002
Elderly nursing charge Bill slammed
A Bill, containing proposals to "substantially reduce care costs for people who pay for their care in nursing homes" has been slammed as misleading by health care organisations.
The Health and Personal Social Services Bill, which, if approved by the Assembly, will take effect from October 7 this year, contains proposals that have been roundly criticised by local representatives of charity organisations.
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Bairbre de Brún announced on Monday that the maximum weekly contribution for nursing care to be paid by Health and Social Services Trusts for people who meet the full cost of their care in a nursing home would be set at £100 per week.
However, while welcoming the Minister's commitment to care provision, the payments for nursing care will be subject to a nursing needs assessment.
Help the Aged's Paula Beattie branded the proposals as "age discrimination", with many elderly people in need of care left to foot the bill.
The Monday announcement by the Health Minister has left many outraged that it is the first mention that nursing care for the elderly will not be free, as is the case in Scotland.
In May of last year, Ms de Brún told the Assembly: "The ‘health gap’ here has produced inequalities in health between rich and poor, which are an affront to the principles which unite us, of equality and social justice."
However, critics of the proposals point out that inequalities will remain if those with age related diseases that do not require hospitalisation, but that require constant care will be discriminated against.
The average weekly cost of care in a residential home is put at between £300 and £400.
(SP)
The Health and Personal Social Services Bill, which, if approved by the Assembly, will take effect from October 7 this year, contains proposals that have been roundly criticised by local representatives of charity organisations.
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Bairbre de Brún announced on Monday that the maximum weekly contribution for nursing care to be paid by Health and Social Services Trusts for people who meet the full cost of their care in a nursing home would be set at £100 per week.
However, while welcoming the Minister's commitment to care provision, the payments for nursing care will be subject to a nursing needs assessment.
Help the Aged's Paula Beattie branded the proposals as "age discrimination", with many elderly people in need of care left to foot the bill.
The Monday announcement by the Health Minister has left many outraged that it is the first mention that nursing care for the elderly will not be free, as is the case in Scotland.
In May of last year, Ms de Brún told the Assembly: "The ‘health gap’ here has produced inequalities in health between rich and poor, which are an affront to the principles which unite us, of equality and social justice."
However, critics of the proposals point out that inequalities will remain if those with age related diseases that do not require hospitalisation, but that require constant care will be discriminated against.
The average weekly cost of care in a residential home is put at between £300 and £400.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
