§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his definition is of frictional discharge; and what the level of frictional discharge was in the last 12 months. [84805]
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§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 3 December 2002]:The system of financial incentives that the Community Care (Delayed Discharges, etc) Bill will put in place means that there is no longer a need for a national level of "frictional" delays. These will vary from locality to locality and the financial incentives will ensure that the level of delayed transfers of care is at a minimal level by 2006