Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

252 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the continuing difficulties some vulnerable elderly patients are experiencing with hospital discharge procedures; if he will review the effectiveness of his policy circular of 7 January 1999 in this regard; if he will introduce clear protocols in order that family members are given adequate notice and that adequate post-hospital care arrangements are in place prior to the discharging of the patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26967/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

My Department has regularly raised with hospitals the importance of ensuring that proper discharge arrangements are put in place for all vulnerable patients, including older people. The Department will shortly be issuing a further policy circular to health agencies regarding the waiting list initiative, in which this issue will again be emphasised. I will examine the situation in advance of the issuing of the circular, and my Department will consult with agencies to establish what specific further steps are necessary to ensure that effective discharge protocols are put into place.