Nursing Homes Ireland welcomes the publication of the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance and supports the principles of UHI.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “We welcome the publication of the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance and regard it as a positive move on a number of levels. Firstly we welcome the fact that there is a white paper; for too long there have been too few discussions about health policy and we welcome this as an opportunity to have such a debate. As a sector, we believe there is an also an urgent need for a debate about future requirements for care of older people in Ireland, particularly given the considerable increase in our ageing demographic. We have called many times for a forum to be established involving older people, the State, Nursing Homes Ireland and other stakeholders.

“Secondly we support the principle of UHI and its intention to introduce equality of access to healthcare, helping to ensure that as a society we have better health as we move into our elder years. Many older people have several chronic conditions due to illnesses not being treated or diagnosed earlier in their lives. UHI has the potential to tackle some of these issues and we support Dr Reilly in his efforts.

“Thirdly, the principle of money following the patient is one supported by Nursing Homes Ireland. The Fair Deal follows this principle and provides choice within our sector as to where the resident chooses to live, thus empowering them their family and supporting their rights. This is an important factor in encouraging competition, high standards and quality care.

“We look forward to engaging in the debate on UHI as we plan and deliver on this fundamental reform of our health care system. We also reiterate long-term residential care will continue to play a critical role in healthcare provision and this must not be overlooked in debate surrounding UHI. It plays an essential role in healthcare delivery and the publication of white paper should not detract from urgent requirement to plan for the growing requirement for nursing home care in our local communities.”