HC Deb 14 July 1980 vol 988 cc425-6W
Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the policy that a hospital follows before an elderly person living on his own is discharged to return home.

Sir George Young

This is for the responsible hospital doctor to decide in consultation with colleagues in the hospital and, primary care teams, having regard to the patient's social circumstances, including the needs of vulnerable groups such as elderly persons living alone.