FURTHER plans to cut bed blocking by making it easier to help older patients leave hospital at weekends, have been signed off by Surrey County Council.

The go-ahead has been given for a new deal to provide equipment that helps people stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Walking aids, hoists and bath lifts can now be installed on Saturdays as well as later on weekdays, as part of the council’s efforts to make the discharge process run more smoothly and limit the chances of a quick return. Council social care staff in hospitals will also work over the weekend and late into weekday evenings.

Action taken by the council in 2013 to cut bed blocking earned Surrey a commendation in the category for improved partnerships between health and local government in the Health Service Journal’s annual awards that year.

Surrey abandoned its traditional Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm working hours and established shifts between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays and from 8am to 8pm on weekdays at its five main hospitals: Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Frimley Park, Epsom General, East Surrey, and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey.

The move has helped almost 800 more hospital patients return home at more convenient times, so people collecting them do not have to take time off work.

Surrey’s latest move to cut bed blocking, coincides with figures released in 2015 revealing that spending on equipment is on course to almost double in six years, and the number of people being helped to remain at home rising from 22,000 to more than 27,100.

In 2010 to 2011, the council spent £3.5 million on items for people’s homes. By the end of the 2015 to 2016 financial year, that figure is expected to have climbed to more than £6.2 million.

By 2020, it is estimated there will be 20,000 more senior citizens in Surrey, and the council is spending an extra £20 million each year addressing the growing demand for all types of care and support.

Surrey’s cabinet member for adult social care Mel Few, said: “As we all know, just like everyone else older people want to stay in the comfort of their own home and communities, particularly after leaving hospital.

“This is very much part of our efforts to help them do that, while also helping to ease the strain on health and social services at a time when growing demand for elderly care means the council needs to spend an extra £20m each year.”

Surrey’s contract with Millbrook Healthcare, which is being funded by the council and the county’s six clinical commissioning groups, also includes a commitment to employ 10 apprentices.