HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 cc222-3
33. Mrs. Knight

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that adequate steps are taken by hospitals to ensure that before patients are discharged follow-up treatment is available for them through the local authority services.

Mr. Snow

Hospital authorities have been advised of the action to be taken before patients are discharged and I have no evidence to suggest that this advice is not being generally acted upon.

Mrs. Knight

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are persistent examples of patients, particularly geriatric patients, going home without adequate local authority care? Will he look into the position?

Mr. Snow

In normal practice, it is a standing instruction that 48 hours' notice is given to local authorities when such cases as those which she mentions are discharged from hospital. She mentioned that there are many examples. If she has a particular case in mind, I should like to examine it.

Mr. Dean

Will the Minister look particularly at the recent report of the National Council for the Care of Old People, which suggests that there are many gaps?

Mr. Snow

Yes.