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12/04/2012
Government To Investigate Overnight Hospital Discharges
An investigation has been launched by the government after new figures show hospital patients being discharged overnight.
Using Freedom of Information requests the Times newspaper found that 100 NHS trusts sent 239,233 patients home last year between 23:00 and 06:00.
A total of 170 trusts were contacted with only 100 responding, the paper reported that if the other 70 were discharging patients at similar rates it would add up to 400,000 such discharges a year and almost 8,000 a week.
The paper also said the rate of discharges has held steady for the last five years.
However the Times has said that the data is variable as some hospitals kept detailed records while others could not guarantee accuracy. Also adding that some hospitals categorise deaths as "discharges" while others do not.
NHS medical director Prof Sir Bruce Keogh said: "I am concerned to hear that some patients may be being discharged unnecessarily late.
"Patients should only be discharged when it's clinically appropriate, safe and convenient for them and their families.
"It is simply not fair to be sending people home late at night. We will look at this."
(H)
Using Freedom of Information requests the Times newspaper found that 100 NHS trusts sent 239,233 patients home last year between 23:00 and 06:00.
A total of 170 trusts were contacted with only 100 responding, the paper reported that if the other 70 were discharging patients at similar rates it would add up to 400,000 such discharges a year and almost 8,000 a week.
The paper also said the rate of discharges has held steady for the last five years.
However the Times has said that the data is variable as some hospitals kept detailed records while others could not guarantee accuracy. Also adding that some hospitals categorise deaths as "discharges" while others do not.
NHS medical director Prof Sir Bruce Keogh said: "I am concerned to hear that some patients may be being discharged unnecessarily late.
"Patients should only be discharged when it's clinically appropriate, safe and convenient for them and their families.
"It is simply not fair to be sending people home late at night. We will look at this."
(H)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
