A NEW deal to help older patients leave hospital at weekends has been signed off by Surrey County Council and the county’s six NHS clinical commissioning groups.

Under the proposed contract with Millbrook Healthcare, items such as walking aids, hoists and bath lifts can be installed on Saturdays as well as later on weekdays, making it easier for people to swap wards for home.

Mel Few, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said the new deal is part of Surrey’s efforts to make the discharge process run more smoothly and limit the chances of a quick return to hospital.

“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,” he said.

“This [new deal] 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 £20 million each year.”