Farron: Social Care Solution Needed To Address 'Bed Blocking' Problem

The Liberal Democrats have called in parliament for a cross-party commission to solve the crisis in NHS and social care, as local statistics show the extent of 'bed blocking' in Cumbria.

The funding crisis in social care means more patients than ever before are stuck in hospital beds longer than they need to be, adding pressure to local hospitals.

Bed blocking figures show that in Cumbria, there were 132 people stuck in hospital beds, despite being well enough to be discharged or transferred to social care.

The shocking figures for Cumbria reveal that the number of hospital beds out-of-action because of bed blocking is equivalent to 388 people staying in hospital for an entire week longer than they need to be.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron and Lib Dem Health Spokesperson Norman Lamb have called for a national cross party commission to tackle the funding crisis in NHS and Social Care.

Commenting on the problems faced, Tim Farron said: "The lack of proper funding for social care is leading to 'bed-blocking', as patients cannot be discharged from hospital because appropriate care is not available. This in turn is increasing the pressure on local NHS services.

"As demand for NHS and social care continues to rise, the need for properly funded and integrated services is greater than ever.

"Politicians of all parties must come together to fundamentally re-think how we can guarantee the future of these vital services."