Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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441. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the need for clear protocols to cover patients being discharged from acute hospitals in order that responsibility for the transfer of their care in the community is specified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30335/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to acute care, the HSE National Integrated Care Guidance (2014) has been developed by the National Integrated Care Advisory Group under the auspices of the Quality and Patient Safety Division. The guidance is based on feedback received following extensive national and targeted consultation with service providers in both the acute and community healthcare settings, and on review of the HSE Integrated Discharge Planning Code of Practice (2008). This practical guide to integrated care is designed to support healthcare providers to improve their discharge and transfer processes from the acute hospital setting back into the community.  This guide will support service providers in demonstrating how they are meeting the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare, and outlines nine key steps in effective discharge and transfer of care which will facilitate faster, safer discharges for patients. As the arrangements for patients being discharged from acute hospitals are service matters, I have also asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.