Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1378. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on the feasibility of developing a National Discharge Summary and Care Plan for all persons leaving hospital care to share with their respective carers. [37624/13]
View answer1456. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will consider developing nationally a patient discharge summary for all persons leaving hospital care in order that information can be shared with their family carer when the patient is in need of on-going care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37911/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1378 and 1456 together.
Integrated Discharge Planning is about effective and multi-disciplinary planning for the discharge of patients, which starts from the moment a patient is admitted to hospital, through to their discharge home or transfer to a community care facility.
In 2008 the HSE developed an Integrated Discharge Planning Code of Practice as a guide to the standards of practice required in the management of integrated discharge planning. In 2011 the HSE Quality & Patient Safety Directorate established a National Integrated Care Advisory Group (NICAG) to review the existing Integrated Discharge Planning Code of Practice. Following initial consultation last year with staff in hospitals and the community services the NICAG is revising the National Integrated Care Guidance document which will replace the existing code of practice.
This Guidance Document aims to provide practical advice for service providers regarding effective discharge and transfer from hospital to the community. It outlines the nine key steps in effective discharge and transfer of care which will facilitate faster, safer discharges for patients. These steps include identifying whether the person has simple or complex needs, setting an expected date of discharge/transfer within 24/48 hours of admission and reviewing the treatment plan with the person on a daily basis.
In relation to discharge summary information, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has developed a National Standard for Patient Discharge Summary Information as an important step towards improving the whole care pathway and enabling the delivery of safe, person-centred care. When a patient is discharged from hospital to primary care it is essential that complete, relevant and valid information regarding the patient's stay in hospital is sent to the primary care healthcare professional in a timely manner, allowing the primary care professional to continue care and management following discharge. The National Standard for Patient Discharge Summary Information sets out the relevant and important information that should be contained in a patient's summary discharge information. HIQA has submitted the National Standard to me seeking my approval in accordance with Section 8 (1) (k) of the Health Act 2007. My Department is currently examining this submission.
