HC Deb 09 April 2003 vol 403 cc320-1W
Mr. Ruffley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set target times for the length of time delayed discharge patients remain in(a) acute and (b) non acute beds in (i) the West Suffolk and (ii) the Central Suffolk PCT area. [104836]

Jacqui Smith

There are currently no nationally set target times for the length of time patients wait for discharge from hospital, either nationally or in local areas, in acute or non-acute beds. However there may be local agreements between health and social care partners.

However, the Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003 will introduce a system of reimbursement for delayed discharges. Where the delay is because social services have either not assessed the patient or have not provided the necessary community care services, the local authority will pay a charge to the national health service for every day of delay. This will initially apply to patients receiving acute care.