Cutbacks ensure older patients can’t be discharged from hospital

THE HSE cutbacks are severely affecting older people in hospital who are ready for discharge and wish to go home.

A relative of mine was approved for a homecare package to go home from hospital after breaking his leg, but this has now been suspended because of HSE cutbacks.

It is a ridiculous situation whereby older people who are in hospital awaiting discharge on foot of a homecare package are forced to stay in and, as a result, acute beds are occupied by those who need not be in them.