A PLAN has been drawn up to end bed blocking in County Durham hospitals.

Under new legislation councils will be fined £100 each day if social service clients cannot leave hospital because care at home is not available.

Durham County Council and local health authorities have prepared plans, funded by a £980,000 Government grant, to meet the target.

Fifty-two beds will immediately be made available at the council's care homes and further beds will be bought at private homes.

The council will also fund extra time for care workers to look after people in their own homes.

Social services director Peter Kemp said: "This is a complete intermediate care package that will ensure that people only remain in hospital if they need to be.

"It is aimed at maximising independence by enabling people to live in the familiar surroundings of their own home or in a care home.

"This is the right route to follow to ensure people receive the correct level of care to enable them to achieve the highest quality of life possible.''

Mr Kemp added: "Delayed hospital discharges is a complex problem which has a knock-on effect.''