§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that money provided to East Sussex county council social services to relieve bed-blocking in local hospitals has been used for that purpose; [63549]
(2) if he will make a statement on the incidence of bed-blocking in east Sussex. [63550]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 24 June 2002]: The Government recognise that delayed transfers of care are a problem across the south east and east Sussex has been acutely affected. East Sussex county council, in consultation with Surrey and Sussex health authority and the local national health service trusts, is currently exploring all possible options for reducing these delays.
Local authorities were required to provide a written statement of their proposed use of additional funding and the targets for reductions of delayed transfers. Progress towards targets has been monitored by the Department through the weekly reporting process and the capacity maps submitted to the Department.