FUNDING OF LONG-TERM NURSING CARE AND THE HEALTH SERVICE OMBUDSMAN REPORT

Early day motion 749, tabled 24 February 2003 by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 42 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 where 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 Health Service Ombudsman found that the continuing care guidance issued by both Conservative and Labour administrations were unlawful and that the Health Service Ombudsman has found fundamental problems with the system causing hardship and injustice to a significant number of people; believes that swift action is now needed to compensate the families who have been forced unlawfully to sell their homes to pay for 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, the National Audit Office to investigate this matter further and Ministers to implement free personal care on the basis of a person's need.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 32, Labour 6, UUP 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.