Menu
17/05/2004
Measures to cut NHS 'bed-blocking' hailed a success
Steps to tackle NHS bed-blocking have led to a substantial reduction in delayed discharges, according to government statistics.
Figures released today show that the number of delayed discharges has fallen since the system was introduced - down from 7,065 in September 2001 to 2,895 in March 2004.
Health Secretary John Reid said that the 4,000 beds that have been freed up since the 'Cash for Change' programme was introduced in 2001 was equivalent to adding eight extra hospitals to the NHS. The scheme provided £300 million to local councils to ensure that people leaving hospital would get the care they needed.
New rules introduced in January now mean that local authorities must reimburse the NHS when a lack of services or assessments for patients means they cannot be discharged from hospital.
John Reid said that freeing up hospital beds helped to "speed up treatment for those who need it".
"And there's another bonus - this progress means 4,000 people who are well enough to leave hospital are in safe surroundings, whether in their own homes with the extra support they need, in extra care units or in a care home," he said.
He also paid tribute to social services staff and the NHS for working together to ensure extra investment delivers real improvements.
(gmcg)
Figures released today show that the number of delayed discharges has fallen since the system was introduced - down from 7,065 in September 2001 to 2,895 in March 2004.
Health Secretary John Reid said that the 4,000 beds that have been freed up since the 'Cash for Change' programme was introduced in 2001 was equivalent to adding eight extra hospitals to the NHS. The scheme provided £300 million to local councils to ensure that people leaving hospital would get the care they needed.
New rules introduced in January now mean that local authorities must reimburse the NHS when a lack of services or assessments for patients means they cannot be discharged from hospital.
John Reid said that freeing up hospital beds helped to "speed up treatment for those who need it".
"And there's another bonus - this progress means 4,000 people who are well enough to leave hospital are in safe surroundings, whether in their own homes with the extra support they need, in extra care units or in a care home," he said.
He also paid tribute to social services staff and the NHS for working together to ensure extra investment delivers real improvements.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
05 June 2015
New £2m Helipad Developed At Hospital In Devon
A new helipad has been built at Derriford Hospital in Devon. The £2 million facility will allow air ambulances to land at night. Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters can also be facilitated. The previous landing area, a grassy region with no lights, was described as "unsuitable" for larger helicopters.
New £2m Helipad Developed At Hospital In Devon
A new helipad has been built at Derriford Hospital in Devon. The £2 million facility will allow air ambulances to land at night. Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters can also be facilitated. The previous landing area, a grassy region with no lights, was described as "unsuitable" for larger helicopters.
24 November 2008
Hospitals Failing To Meet Hygiene Standards
Nine out of 10 acute health trusts have failed to meet hygiene standards to reduce hospital infections, according to spot checks carried out by the NHS watchdog. The Healthcare Commission tested 51 trusts unannounced, and discovered only five adhered to Government regulations.
Hospitals Failing To Meet Hygiene Standards
Nine out of 10 acute health trusts have failed to meet hygiene standards to reduce hospital infections, according to spot checks carried out by the NHS watchdog. The Healthcare Commission tested 51 trusts unannounced, and discovered only five adhered to Government regulations.
16 March 2012
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
