New NHS laws would combat bed-blocking

Framework to introduce future services

Health Minister Howard Quayle says new laws would mean his department would be able to tackle the thorny problem of bed-blocking.

Mr Quayle says the National Health and Care Service bill would streamline the way his department runs by laying a framework to easily introduce future services.

But also in the bill are proposals to give the DHSC legal powers to force people to leave hospital after they’re well again.

Mr Quayle says the powers would be used to make sure families aren’t leaving relatives in hospital at the taxpayer’s expense to avoid paying care home fees: