Daily Insight: The waiting game

Recent data from the government reveals hidden waits for older people to access essential care and support. Adult social care waiting time statistics are rarely disclosed in England, but last summer the Department of Health and Social Care collected data from councils for the first time in at least a decade.

Following a freedom of information request by HSJ, figures were released indicating average waits of up to 149 days in areas such as Bath and North East Somerset. Notably, 25 out of 85 councils reported waiting periods of two months or more.

Regions with long delays in care provision, such as Somerset, Liverpool, Sussex, and Cornwall, have also faced issues such as hospital discharge delays and broader NHS challenges. Factors like rural settings, recruitment difficulties, increasing demand and ageing populations contribute to social care and NHS pressures.

Among the 85 councils reporting average waiting times, figures varied significantly, with three councils reporting waits of fewer than 10 days. However, disparities in reporting methods may account for differences.

The absence of clear data and national waiting time standards for adult social care, unlike the NHS, underscores a need for reform and increased transparency. Sir David Pearson, former chair of an integrated care system and adult social care director, emphasised the importance of timely responses, advocating for clearer standards and adequate funding to support the social care workforce.

Age concern

Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust is not on the list of the 40 “new hospitals” in development.

It was one of the biggest winners from the major national infrastructure scheme predating this programme. However, the trust says this £300m investment only tackles 10 per cent of the works needed.

In the meantime, it is facing huge issues over its estates and needs to significantly rebuild most of it to meet modern standards. A third of its Luton and Dunstable site was built before 1948, while some of Bedford Hospital dates back to the late 1800s.

Problems currently include cramped wards, corroding pipes, and old lifts which frequently break down. 

Melanie Banks, its redevelopment director, also told HSJ Luton and Dunstable Hospital was “grossly undersized” and would be twice as big if built today.

The trust has mapped out what it needs to get its estates up to scratch and has reached a staggering £2.5bn. However, it is not quite sure where this money will come from yet. It hopes its new master plan will help it to make the most of whatever funding becomes available.

There is always the promise of a rolling programme of capital investment beyond 2030, although how much of the first cohort will be delayed, “new hospital” schemes and other key details – like who will be chosen and how much will be on offer – are still unclear.