§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking as a result of the recommendations concerning the discharge of elderly persons from hospital contained in the recent joint statement published by the Association of Directors of Social Services and the British Geriatrics Society, a copy of which he has been sent.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department plans to issue, in the next few weeks, a booklet entitled "The Discharge of Patients From Hospital", which covers discharge arrangements for all patients, including elderly persons. This booklet will be circulated to all health authorities under a health notice. The statement the hon. Gentleman refers to will be included in the list of further reading on questions of good practice which is to be given as an appendix to the booklet.