Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Hospitals Discharges

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2013

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Ceisteanna (218)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

218. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding guidelines on discharge from hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54502/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 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 produced a draft National Integrated Care Guidance document which will replace the existing code of practice. This document is being finalised and is expected to be published early in 2014.

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 examining this submission.

Barr
Roinn