IN reply to R Swindell’s letter I’d like to answer the questions whilst also trying to put them into context so that readers can understand the significance of them.

Q The number of intermediate care beds before the financial crisis of 2008 and at present.

A In 2008 there were 80, at present there are 62. This followed a review of Intermediate Care which showed that we have a large number of beds empty and not being used. We were in essence paying for empty beds. So we wanted to free this money so it could be used to provide better care in peoples’ homes.

Q Where are the remaining ones located?

A They are located at Darley Court, Shepherds Cross Street Bolton, and Laburnum Lodge, Breightmet Fold Lane. As part of the review we have been able to completely refurbish Laburnum Lodge and are currently improving Darley Court to ensure that they are completely suitable for Intermediate Care and all of the modern equipment that is needed. Many of the other locations were not.

Q Approximately how many patients are there at any one time waiting at the hospital for an intermediate care bed?

A Currently there are six people waiting for intermediate care beds. The average wait is just under two days and in line with national averages. Having additional Intermediate Care beds will not end people waiting for a bed in its entirety. Patients in need of intermediate care, will always require a transition period between hospital and intermediate care which includes the preparation of medication, care, transport, whilst also existing patients are discharged from Intermediate Care into their own homes.

Q The number of care workers looking after the elderly in their homes before 2008 and at present.

A The number of home care workers employed by the council in 2008 is 92 employees in 69 ‘Full Time Equivalent’ (FTE) posts. Today it is 151 employees in 123 FTE posts. This is a direct result of the way we have changed how we want to provide Intermediate Care with greater provision for support in peoples’ own homes where appropriate.

Q How much time are they allocated for reach visit?

A It is dependent on need of the individual. People start with large packages of care with multiple visits and as they rehabilitate over a number of weeks the package of care reduces. On average each person gets around seven hours per week of home care, accepting many get much more and many get much less. Physiotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy and social work visits are on top of these figures and vary.

There is no comparable data from 2008 but in April 2014, 120 people received support in their own homes from Reablement / Intermediate Care. In January 2015 it was 291. Today we are supporting 330 in our various Intermediate Care and Reablement bed and home based services.

Cllr Christopher Peacock

Cabinet Member for Adult Services