Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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346. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the need for transfer of care protocols to be put in place prior to the discharge of a patient from a hospital or care facility and returning home where they will receive further care to ensure the required care will be delivered safely and with confidence in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37867/14]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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354. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce transfer of care protocols for patients leaving hospital to be cared for at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37978/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 354 together.

The HSE National Integrated Care Guidance (2014) has been developed by the National Integrated Care Advisory Group under the auspices of the HSE 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. These steps include identifying whether the person has simple or complex discharge needs, setting an expected date of discharge/transfer and reviewing treatment plan with the person on a daily basis.

As the arrangements for patients being discharged from acute hospitals or care facilities are service matters, I have also asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.