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What is true is that the right solutions the system can get people out of hospital

when they don't need to be there, free up beds and provide them with the care

that they need. It can also deliver considerable savings (See case study below).

If similar savings could be achieved across the country the impact could be

sizeable.

3.8 Care workforce

The split between health and social care also creates an artificial divide in a

non-acute setting. The NHS continues to fund a significant level of free nursing

care in the community through its 'Continuing Healthcare' programme. But the

programme is only eligible to those who have complex medical conditions and

substantial and ongoing care needs- leaving basic care to the local authority

Kerria Court, Birmingham

Case Study: Birmingham pilot scheme

Anchor, a UK housing and care provider, has piloted an enhanced assessment

scheme in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Birmingham

CrossCity Clinical Commissioning Group: since mid-December last year,

four of Anchor's care homes have offered a total of 12 enablement beds to the

Birmingham City Council and the CCG.

It has been estimated that it costs £1,610 to have a patient in a rehabilitative

hospital bed for a week. The enablement beds that Anchor provides for the

hospital cost £550 a week for each patient which excludes costs for therapy,

medical cover, etc. The estimated savings could be up to £300,000. These pilot

schemes, which encourage older people to lead more independent lives, have

resulted in a reduction in permanent care home placements across the city.

Given this initial success Birmingham City Council and CCG have expanded the

contract with Anchor to provide up to 19 enablement beds in two care homes:

Kerria Court and Madeleine House.