Right Care, Right Place, Right Time
In 1997, the Government presented a new model of care to address
the health and social care needs of people in supporting them to
regain and maintain independence, whilst remaining in, or close to,
their own home.
This model of care was named “Intermediate Care” and it
has three principles:
- services should be provided that prevent people being
admitted to hospital;
- services should be provided to assist a timely hospital
discharge, when admission is necessary;
- services should be provided that encourage promotion of good
health, enabling people to make informed choices to remain as
independent as possible, within their own homes.
The Kings Fund definition of Intermediate Care is:
“A short-term intervention to preserve the independence
of people who might otherwise face unnecessarily prolonged hospital
stays, or inappropriate admission to hospital or residential care.
The care is person centred, focused on rehabilitation and delivered
by a combination of professional groups”
Intermediate Care delivery is dependent on a partnership between
NHS Trusts (Acute Hospital, Community Hospital, Mental Health and
Primary Care) and local Authorities. Alongside this partnership,
other working relationships (statutory, private and voluntary
agencies) contribute to maximising or optimising all opportunities
to realise the objectives of Intermediate Care.
In Suffolk, the county has developed partnerships across
the county with the relevant Health Trusts:
In line with the National Vision, “Intermediate Care”
initiatives have been developed in response to locally identified
demands on the whole system
Successful delivery of Intermediate Care is best achieved in
peoples’ own homes (or close to), where independent living is the
goal. In providing local solutions to the residents of Suffolk, the
partnerships forged aim to enable, empower and improve the
experiences of those who need support at a time of crisis.
Suffolk County Council's contribution to Intermediate
Care is part of a multi-disciplinary response, and covers both
assessment and direct provision of community based rehabilitation
services.
People receiving a service from Suffolk County
Council are usually financially assessed but health care
needs are delivered free to people by the NHS trusts. These
services are are received for anything up to 6 weeks. If services
are needed after this time, then there is a re-assessment.
This model of care is continually developing, as innovative ways
are considered to deliver health and social care services, whilst
maintaining a person-centred
focus.