Social work assessment waits slashed

Published on 21/08/2009 10:03

ADULTS who require a social work assessment are waiting a far shorter time than previously, figures have shown.

The council said all people referred to the health and social care sector practice teams marked as urgent were now dealt with within 24 hours.

Waiting lists for less pressing cases have also fallen by two-thirds in the past two and a half years.

Speeding up social work assessments is one important way of reducing bed blocking in Lothians hospitals.

Health and social care leader Cllr Paul Edie said: "Helping people get the right service they need from us and quickly is vital."