New services to help older people leave hospital

The service is currently based at Gilda Crescent in Polegate and consists of eight beds.

The service also enables people to be admitted directly from the community, reducing the numbers of people who might otherwise be admitted to hospital.

This helps to ease pressure on hospital beds and reduce bed-blocking.

The beds are jointly funded by the Adult Social Care department of East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Downs & Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT).

'This is an excellent example of positive joint working between adult social care and the local health service,' said Cllr Bill Bentley, lead cabinet member for Adult Social Care.

Health and social care services at Gilda Crescent are integrated with the PCT providing nursing and therapy staff to work alongside those employed by adult social care.