Directors denounce cost of proposals

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