WORRIED social services chiefs fear that elderly patients are leaving hospital with no-one to care for them.
They are concerned that some Bolton patients may be "slipping through the net" and not referred to social services before they are allowed home.
Councillors spoke of individuals cases which had been brought to their attention during a meeting of Bolton's social services committee.
Labour Cllr Mrs Pauline Spencer said: "I know of a 77-year-old man who went home without anyone to look after him. I want to know what triggers the hospital into asking whether someone will be OK."
Cllr Mrs Margaret Clare said: "When I was a nurse, patients were always asked if there was someone at home for them."
Mike Cooney, assistant director of social services, said: "We do rely on someone on the ward referring an individual to a hospital social worker."
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