DORSET is giving more support to prevent older people going into hospital while those admitted are returning home promptly to a safe environment.

The comments were among key findings in a review of hospital admissions and discharges for older residents by Dorset's Health Scrutiny Committee.

The report praised the close links between the county council and its NHS partners in providing good health and social care services and it also recognised the contribution carers make in supporting their loved ones at home.

The report added that greater investment is needed in some key services along with more work to recruit and retain social services staff together with a clearer focus on the needs of people not processes.

The committee, county councillors and borough and district council representatives, set up a panel a year ago to examine how and why older people are admitted and discharged from hospital and what support is available to them at home.

The report revealed a reduction in year-on-year in delayed discharges from hospital and that there was a range of intermediate care services alongside regular home care to support independence at home.

The review also highlighted a number of challenges which needed to be tackled to minimise hospital admissions.

These included a lack of investment in some areas such as residential-community services for older people with mental health issues and the increasing numbers of people applying for NHS continuing health care.