Written question asked by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Monday, 12 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 December 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 9 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Hospital Discharge (Terminally Ill Patients)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the financial penalty paid by social services departments for late discharge of hospital patients applies to patients who are diagnosed as terminally ill.

Answer: [holding answer 15 December 2005]: Patients receiving specialist palliative care are excluded from the system of charging for delays in discharge. In addition, many patients who have rapidly deteriorating conditions or who do not have long to live will continue to be the national health service's responsibility and as such will not trigger any payment from social services. The NHS is responsible for ensuring the patient is safe to discharge, however, some patients will have a strong preference to return home to die. If they, or their carer, need a care package, including services from social services which is not in place by their discharge date, social services will be potentially liable for a charge.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 37971; 441 c129-30W;441 c129W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Discharges Hospitals Fees and charges Hospital beds Patients Palliative care
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk