§ Viscount Hanworthasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that hospitals give adequate guidance to patients on discharge, as this cannot always be provided by the general practitioner.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)Health Circular HC(89)5, Discharge of Patients from Hospital, and the accompanying booklet set out good practice procedures on discharge of patients from hospital, including advice on information for patients at the time of discharge. The circular states that patients or their relatives should be fully informed, and important points confirmed in writing about such things as medication, lifestyle, diet, symptoms to watch for and where to get help if it is needed. Similar guidelines have already been issued in Wales in Welsh Office Circular WHC(90)1 and will be issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland in due course. Copies of the circulars are available in the Library.