People with social care needs in Merton spend less time in general hospitals and more time recovering in the comfort of their own homes according to assessments by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Merton has had the lowest ‘delayed transfer of care’ rates out of all 32 London boroughs since April 2006, and regular monitoring confirms the council is still leading the way.

A ‘delayed transfer of care’ occurs when a patient is well enough and ready for transfer from hospital, but has not yet returned home. ‘Delayed transfer of care’ rates are among the CQC’s highest priorities for health and wellbeing outcomes in annual assessments of social care.

When patients with social care needs are deemed well enough to leave a local hospital, Merton Council’s social work and reablement team ensures that each patient is assessed and has a support plan in place to enable them to live at home safely and independently.

Councillor Maurice Groves, cabinet member for adult care services and health said: “It’s important that people aren’t forced to remain in hospital unnecessarily once they are well enough to leave. People who recuperate in the comfort and privacy of their own home, with the support of our reablement service, have more opportunities to relearn daily life skills in familiar surroundings.

“The council’s social work and reablement teams work hard to put the needs of residents first and to ensure they have the support they need to make a full recovery at home. It’s great to see that Merton’s service levels are a shining example for other boroughs in London.’
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