Increased Hospital Discharges Strain Social Care System, Council Report Finds

A recent report indicates that a growing number of patients are being released from hospitals while still requiring ongoing care. The subsequent provision of care for these individuals, who then enter the social care system, is reportedly placing “significant financial pressure” on North Yorkshire Council. The council’s health and adult services department is now projected to face an overspend of £7.7 million, according to information presented to members of the audit commission. This figure represents an increase from the £3.8 million overspend that was anticipated earlier in the current year. Richard Webb, the corporate director for health and adult services, stated that his department’s financial standing remains “precarious” even with continuous efforts to reduce expenditures. Mr. Webb explained, “Adult social care continues to face significant financial pressures largely due to increasing activity, particularly with regard to continuing high levels of hospital discharges and community case work.” He further added, “One of the legacies of the pandemic is the continued pressure in social care as a result of increased hospital discharges.” He noted that “These are much higher than pre-pandemic levels and continue to increase.” During the second quarter, an average of 15.4 individuals were discharged from hospitals daily, which is an increase from the 14.1 people recorded daily during the same period last year. While the report indicated that the county is experiencing benefits from a nationwide improvement in social care staff recruitment, it also highlighted that the primary obstacle remains staff absenteeism attributed to illness. The 2023/34 report detailed that the average number of days lost to sickness per full-time staff member reached 13.56, exceeding the established target of eight days. This figure is higher than the 11.5 days recorded in the preceding year. Mr. Webb stated, “The main reason for absence continues to be stress, depression and anxiety which has been consistent across the year, accounting for just over a quarter of all absences, followed by musculoskeletal problems.” In response, the council is in the process of developing a new attendance management policy, which council leaders anticipate will “bring together a more focused and consistent management of absence across the new council.” Furthermore, new wellbeing passports are planned for issuance, aiming to facilitate an earlier return to work for staff members.