Bed Blocking Announcement Welcomed

5.07.44pm GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Jenny Randerson AM, Health Spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats today welcomed Brian Gibbon's announcement that he will outline his response to the opposition motion on bed-blocking within the next ten days.

The motion included a Welsh Liberal Democrat amendment calling for pooled budgets to ensure more joined up care from the health services.

"I have made it very clear to the Health Minister that most local authorities spend more on social services than the Welsh Assembly allocates to them. I have this on authority from the acting Chief Inspector of the Social Services Inspectorate.

"Local authorities are being short changed. With more and more expected of them, it is proving impossible to meet these demands on a budget that is only marginally bigger.

"The Minister says the budget has gone up by 80%, but I know of one local authority which has reported a 300% increase in adult care package assessments in this year alone."

Notes:

The motion from Plenary on 07/11/2006 was as follows:

Welsh Conservative Party nominated debate

NDM3295 Lisa Francis (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Instructs the Welsh Assembly Government to commission an independent review of delayed transfers of care which will bring forward recommendations for both health service and social care settings to examine:

(a) the ways in which acute hospital beds may be used more effectively; and

(b) how the well-being of patients ready for discharge can be promoted.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new sub point at end of motion:

the development of joint or pooled budgets for healthcare and social services to improve co-ordination between Local Health Boards and Local Authorities.

Amendment 2 - Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Add new sub point at end of motion:

whether there are sufficient social care places and appropriately trained staff available.

Amendment 3 - Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Believes that the review should consider whether it is necessary for the Assembly Government to compel local authorities and Local Health Boards to pool budgets.

Contact/cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood - 029 2089 8324