§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will issue a circular to all health 237W authorities asking them not to discharge any patients from hospital if special beds necessary for their care at home are not available at the time of their discharge.
§ Mr. WhitneyI have no plans to do so. A patient's readiness for discharge is a matter for the clinical judgment of the responsible consultant. I would, of course, expect him to satisfy himself that any necessary provision would be made to care for the patient on his return home.