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Government proposals on implementing the Community Care (Delayed Discharges) 2003 are "impractical and could be astronomically costly", the Association of Directors of Social Services has warned.

Guidance out for consultation would place a legal obligation on social services departments to assess and meet the care needs of clients who normally live in their catchment area but find themselves awaiting discharge from hospital in other parts of the country.

Glenys Jones, chairperson of the ADSS older persons committee, said the proposal could see social workers travelling long distances to undertake assessments and organise care packages.

"The cost of doing this would be extreme. And wording it as a legal responsibility sounds more threatening," she said.

- Consultation from www.doh.gov.uk/reimbursement