FUNDING OF LONG-TERM NURSING CARE (No. 2)

Early day motion 877, tabled 23 July 1999 by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 44 members.

That this House notes the Court of Appeal judgement in the case of R v North and East Devon Health Authority ex parte Pamela Coughlan, which states that were a person's primary need for accommodation is a health need, then the funding of their nursing care is the responsibility of the NHS; further notes that the Court of Appeal found that the eligibility criteria used by North and East Devon Health Authority were unlawful, and that the Government guidance has 'shortcomings' leading to confusion and misrepresentation by health authorities and local authorities; believes that swift action is now needed to clarify the situation for tens of thousands of vulnerable people in nursing homes who will be left worried and confused about the funding of their care; and urges the Secretary of State to issue new guidance at the earliest opportunity to clarify patients' rights to long-term nursing care funded by the NHS, and all health authorities to re-examine their eligibility criteria to see whether they are lawful in the light of this judgement.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 21, Labour 18, UUP 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UKUP 1.