Local authorites set to be charged for delayed discharge of mental health patients

Mental health patients will come under the rules requiring
social care services to reimburse hospitals for the costs of
delayed discharges of older people, writes David
Brown.

The rules will initially only cover patients in acute and
general geriatric settings, but could be expanded to cover patients
leaving community hospitals and intermediate care.

Housing services are likely to face similar penalties to social
services and primary care services if they are responsible for a
delayed discharge.

The plans, outlined in a department of health consultation
document, are wider than those announced by the government earlier
this year.

Reimbursements for the delayed discharge of older people is
likely to be set at £120 a day in London and the South East,
and £100 a day in the rest of the country. Independent dispute
resolution panels will be set up by strategic health
authorities.

Hospitals will be required to notify social services and primary
care trusts as soon as it is apparent that a patient will require
on-going care after discharge. A care discharge plan must then be
prepared within three days.

The delay will be counted from the completion of the discharge
plan or the day after the patient is ready for transfer, whichever
is later.

Patients requiring time to make a decision about their future or
to make practical arrangements will be required to move to suitable
short-term accommodation.

‘Implementing Reimbursement Around Discharge from Hospital’ –

www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/delayeddischarge/consult.htm