Day surgery release is a matter for the medical profession, not a matter of concern for Audit Scotland. We would have thought if Audit Scotland had serious concerns with rising costs it should investigate the enormous amount of money wasted in attempting to introduce IT systems that could address patient confidentiality.

The increase in administration costs is another field that its expertise could be put to good use.

We would fully support Dr McGonigle's concern that pre-discharge liaison must be improved between the day hospital, GPs, district nurses and social work provision.

Finally, who are these patients who want to go home rather than spend a night in hospital to ensure they are well enough to go home? We certainly don't know of any.
Margaret Hinds, Chair of the Health Service Forum SE, Glasgow.

 Monday 8th September 2008