HOSPITAL bosses in the region are finding that the problem of blocked beds is proving difficult to resolve.

Despite Health Secretary Alan Milburn's threat to fine local authorities for every delayed discharge from hospital to care homes, the problem seems to be persisting.

A spot-check at the Health Secretary's own local trust, County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals trust, revealed that 92 beds were blocked because of delayed discharges in the week beginning March 10.

In a survey of six North-East hospital trusts carried out by The Northern Echo in December, 253 beds were blocked by delayed discharges.

The County Durham and Darlington trust was worst affected, with about 100 beds blocked.

Mr Milburn has demanded better co-operation between the NHS and local authorities to speed up the release of mostly elderly patients.

The Darlington MP's controversial plan to fine local authorities up to £100 a day for every delayed discharge has been put on hold, but is still hanging over anxious social services directors.

A combination of red tape and lack of social services funding had led to acute hospital beds being blocked throughout the NHS.

Blocked beds make it increasingly difficult for hospitals to meet waiting list targets and avoid cancelling surgery.

In a report to a meeting of the trust board, officials said: "The delayed transfers of care are a major risk to the trust as they impact on the ability to manage capacity, provide emergency and elective care and effectively utilise the trust resources."

The report also notes that difficulties in commissioning home care packages reported by Darlington Social Services "will cause additional discharge delays" if the situation continues.

As part of efforts to reduce delays, Darlington Social Services recently purchased eight additional care beds in the private sector.