Our statutory hospital discharge and community support guidance, published jointly with NHS England, sets out that integrated care boards (ICBs), and local authorities (LAs) are responsible for planning and delivering local hospital discharge services. Working together, ICBs and LAs should deliver an appropriate support package, based on an individual’s assessed needs, to enable safe discharge.

South East London ICB has worked with Mr Mehta and his family over several years, including during his current admission, to support his assessed needs. Their approach is informed by the need for clinical safety, to meet governance responsibilities, and to secure a sustainable long-term care package, including procuring another specialised provider. The ICB remains committed to supporting safe discharge as soon as can be enabled.

NHS England continues to monitor ICBs to ensure they discharge their functions through robust and timely assurance mechanisms.