Lives put at risk by poor hospital discharge procedures, UK doctors say

One in four GPs in the United Kingdom said patients' lives are being put at risk because hospitals are failing to provide essential information about medication or treatment when a patient is discharged, according to a survey. The NHS Alliance, which represents English GPs, nurses, and managers in primary care, contacted 1,000 GP practices for the survey. NHS Alliance chairman, Michael Dixon, MD, said hospitals should not be paid unless they have delivered fast, accurate discharge information, and that lateness should mean financial penalties.