§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2001,Official Report,column 343W, concerning carers, for what reasons his Department is revising the Hospital Discharge Workbook; what status the workbook has; and how compliance with its guidance is monitored. [4181]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Hospital Discharge Workbook issued in 1994, needs to be updated to take into account the new policy changes introduced by the NHS Plan, including the use of intermediate care services.
The workbook is a framework for good practice. Health authorities, in consultation with local authorities, general practitioners and other agencies, should ensure that 119W hospitals and community health services keep discharge procedures under review and should regularly audit performance.