Redcar and Cleveland Council has launched an NHS funded £500,000 adult social care discharge programme.

The scheme covers the block booking of care homes for a period of up to four weeks dependent on need. Only 11 beds have been commissioned so far through the funding.

A council spokesperson said: “The council with our partners, including the NHS, will do what it takes to make sure that when it’s the right time for often elderly or vulnerable people to leave hospital they receive the support they need. The initiative to book beds with trusted care home providers is part of an NHS-funded national initiative, and local authorities across the country work in partnership with the NHS to make sure people receive support to recover from serious illness or a hospital stay and regain their independence as much as possible.

“We work closely with all our valued care providers, and we’re pleased that the availability of home care support has improved recently, to enable more people to be supported at home to regain their independence as we would all wish to. We will continue to work hard and do what it takes to overcome the challenges in the social care sector seen locally and nationally, to ensure people receive support in their own homes at the right time.”

The council is partnering with North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and South Tees NHS Foundation Trust on the programme.