SIR: Have you got an older relative who is currently in hospital, or have you got to go into hospital in the future? You may be worried about what your rights are in hospital, what will happen to your benefits, whether appropriate care will be arranged on discharge, and so on.

You may also be anxious about whether a lot of care will be needed afterwards and whether this will be available under the NHS or whether private nursing care will have to be sought.

Counsel and Care has produced two factsheets which explain your rights in hospital, the procedure for hospital discharge and gaining continuing NHS care. These are free. Send a large (A5) stamped addressed envelope (31p) to me as below.

Counsel and Care is a national charity which provides advice and help for older people and their carers. Our lo-call advice line number is 0845 300 7585.

?S Allan,

Factsheets 10/11,

Counsel and Care,

Twyman House, 16 Bonny St, London, NWI 9PG?

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