§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) notice and (b) discussion occurs between hospitals outside the Northern Health and Social Board and the local community health trust within the Board area prior to discharging a patient into the community. [110561]
§ Mr. BrowneThere are standing arrangements for the discharge of people from hospital that have been established between all hospital and community trusts. These arrangements have been drawn up in consultation with the appropriate Health and Social Personal Services personnel and are integrated within the assessment and care management process. Health and social services staff in both hospital and community settings should be aware of these arrangements which are based on good practice guidelines issued by the Department.