Response to PAC report into delayed discharge

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'How and when someone is discharged from hospital, and the support they receive afterwards is vital when it comes to their long-term recovery and quality of life.

 'Cuts to council and community health budgets mean more and more older people who need support to stay fit and well at home aren't getting it . This makes it more likely that frail older people become ill and need to go into hospital, and less likely that they can be discharged in a timely way once medically fit to leave

'Keeping someone in hospital when they don't need to be there is an awful situation and one that represents a staggering waste of public funds that also hurts vulnerable older people and their families. It is why we believe the Government should urgently look again at the funding being provided for these kinds of services, acknowledge the need for substantially more investment, and take action to plug the all too obvious funding gaps.'