Winter pressures
cannot discharge safely without community and care home capacity; social care cannot expand capacity without timely funding and collaboration. This is why partnership models like block-
booking care home beds for step-down care or directly contracting private home-care providers for rapid response services are so crucial. When discharges flow smoothly:
n Patients recover in the most appropriate setting.
n Hospital capacity is freed for those who need it.
n Overall system costs are reduced.
In Kent, some of our KiCA members are already negotiating discharge arrangements directly with local hospitals.
2. Re-contracting and private sector engagement As NHS budgets are reconfigured, re- contracting with private sector providers will become essential. This is not just about filling gaps – it
is about leveraging the expertise and flexibility that independent providers bring, recognising what such providers do well,
The beauty of the private sector is the sector’s capacity to innovate to survive. Operating in a competitive market our members know they cannot sit still, which means they are largely flexible in their business models to adapt to change. This is perfect for public/private collaborations. The private sector can often respond
more quickly to sudden surges in demand or changes in care needs than larger statutory organisations. Independent providers: n Make quicker decisions without multiple administrative layers.
n Can adjust staffing levels and service
and bringing them into strategic planning and delivery. Private sector social care can often respond more quickly to fluctuating needs than statutory services. Key opportunities include:
n Intermediate care models: short-term care packages that prevent hospital admissions or facilitate rapid discharge.
n Respite and crisis care: providing relief for families and preventing breakdowns in care arrangements.
n Integrated discharge hubs: co-located NHS and social care teams managing patient flow in real-time.
models dynamically.
n Often have strong ties to local communities, enabling faster mobilisation of resources.
For example, during previous winters and COVID surges, many care homes successfully stood up crisis capacity within days, sometimes faster than statutory partners. Private sector providers are accustomed
to operating efficiently and scaling services up or down based on contract arrangements or demand. This flexibility makes them well- placed to deliver:
When commissioned well, these partnerships save money across the system by preventing expensive acute admissions and freeing hospital capacity.
3. Innovation and creative approaches The upheaval could also be a catalyst for innovation. Some potential areas include: n Digital discharge solutions: shared IT platforms allowing hospitals and care homes to share discharge information instantly.
n Flexible staffing pools: partnerships
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Download our Guide to Creating Dementia Friendly Bathrooms
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