ELDERLY PATIENTS OVERSTAYING IN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURED HOSPITALS

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Health how many elderly patients overstayed in Government and Government restructured hospitals for more than a month between 1996 and 1998 and what are the reasons for the overstay.

The Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, a survey conducted in 1998 in five Government and Government restructured hospitals showed that there were 27 elderly patients aged 65 years and above, who overstayed for more than a month at the time of the survey.

66% of those who overstayed claimed that family members were unable to or unwilling to look after them at home, and 21% claimed they were staying alone and were unable to look after themselves.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Sir, are there enough facilities to help families who are unable to --- 1.30 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 14-16, 19-23, 25-29, 31-36, 40 and 42-44 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the section, "Oral Answers to Questions Not Reached" (Cols. 2161-2186). Question Nos. 17-18, 24, 30, 37-39 and 41 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 26th February 1999.]