Government policies
Community care (delayed discharges) act 2003
| Starting dates | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Key department | DH |
| Key delivery agency | Health authorities and local authorities jointly |
| Budget/target/comment |
Aims to solve the problem of 'bed blocking' by: introducing a financial incentive for local authorities to assess hospital patients' need for community care or carer's services as soon as possible; makes intermediate care and certain community equipment services free of charge; ensuring 'seamless care' between local authorities, acute trusts and primary care trusts; and facilitating the move of older people to a more homely environment after hospital treatment as quickly as possible. A 'Building Care Capacity Grant' scheme exists to help with implementation. |