Dr. Kathleen MacLellan:

The discussions in NPHET were on preparedness and what the expectations would be. With regard to the question, perhaps the HSE could add something on it. There was certainly no directive given that all hospitals would be emptied into nursing homes. There was a considered approach whereby for older people in our hospitals who were ready for discharge, could be safely discharged and would be more appropriately managed in a nursing home setting that this would happen in as safe as possible a way.