asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that hospitals in the greater Dublin region are currently discharging senior citizen patients who have to rely on walking aids without taking any care to ensure that they have an adult to care for them after hospitalisation; if he will investigate the policy being currently pursued in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - After Care for Elderly Patients.
498.
I am not aware that hospitals in the greater Dublin area have adopted a policy as described by the Deputy. However, if the Deputy knows of specific instances, I will, of course, have them investigated. I might add that it is the normal practice for the hospital social workers to investigate the family circumstances before an elderly person is discharged from hospital.