Government to review NHS funding of nursing in care homes

The Department of Health has announced it is to review the rate paid by the NHS to private care homes for nursing services.

Registered nursing care for residents, who are assessed to be eligible, in nursing homes is funded by the NHS. The rate payable for this financial year is currently £112.00 a week per resident.

This review will consider whether the rate paid is reflective of the costs of providing this important service and supports high quality out-of-hospital care.

The department intends to complete the review in this financial year.

NHS-funded nursing care was introduced by the Health and Social Services Act 2001, which made care provided by registered nurses in nursing homes an NHS responsibility.