Patients may jump care home queue

Penalising councils for delayed discharges
could lead to individuals in hospital being offered care in the
community in preference to those living at home, a director of care
home firm Westminster Health Care said last week.

Speaking at the House of Commons health
committee inquiry into bed-blocking Bob Lewis said even if a person
at home’s need was greater, a care package may be offered to
someone in hospital to avoid the penalties.

“I fear for those coping at home who could
more appropriately be cared for in a residential setting but who
will be denied that,” he said.

However, he added that penalising local
authorities was “a useful instrument” where there were care home
places available but councils would not pay the contract price.

The committee also discussed how delayed
discharges are because of individuals exercising their right to
choose their home.