§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines her Department has issued to health authorities about moving geriatric patients without relatives outside their home district for continuing care.
§ Mr. YeoThe guidance on discharge procedures, HC(89)5, a copy of which is available in the Library, makes it clear that patients and, with their agreement, carers and relatives, are fully consulted at all stages on the arrangements made for their future care needs. This is also one of the nine national standards set out in the patients charter. A thorough assessment of the health and social care needs of each patient should be carried out, prior to discharge, to ensure that any services required are provided in the most appropriate way.