A LARGE number of elderly people living in the west are being denied places in private nursing homes because a State subvention scheme has run out of funds for new applicants.
The Irish Registered N5 Homes Association claimed yesterday that new applicants living in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon have been refused the subvention over the past two months, leading to considerable hardship, particularly where applicants are living alone and in need of care.
The Nursing Homes Association chairperson, Ms Eileen Gallagher, called on the Department of Health to immediately ensure proper funding is provided on a long term basis.
This is the second occasion that funds have run out. Two years ago the board had to receive a special allocation to allow it continue to operate the scheme.
Ms Gallagher said it was ironic that in the same month the board ran out of funding for new patients, legislation was passed by the Minister for Health implementing amendments to current subvention regulations designed to ease the financial burden on patients and their families.
In the Eastern Health Board area, a separate difficulty had arisen due to lack of additional monies to cover the amendments, she noted.
The health board spokesman was not available for comment but it is understood discussions are in progress between its officials and the Department.