OLDER people continue to get out of hospital quicker than ever before in Inverclyde despite growing demand and budget cuts.

Latest figures show that Inverclyde’s record on delayed discharge is the best in the country.

Councillors on the health and social care committee congratulated staff on their efforts but looked for reassurances they could keep up their record.

Head of health and community care Allen Stevenson said: “There is nothing more damaging than for older people to be left stranded in hospital waiting to get back out.

“Our performance in delayed discharge is sector leading.

“It used to be that East Renfrewshire would lead the way. 

“Now they are coming to us to find out what we are doing right.

“I think the most important factor is that we are taking families with us. 

“We work with them and get very few complaints that people are discharged too early.”

Council leader Stephen McCabe praised staff for their impressive performance and said it was underpinned by investment.

But he added that he was concerned about the health and social care partnership’s ability to continue to keep up with the growing number of people in need of care, and the continued squeeze on council budgets.

Mr McCabe said: “It is a great performance.

“It is, though, resource-intensive and I wonder if that is sustainable going forward with regards the challenges we continue to face at the council.”

Councillor Chris McEleny, leader of the SNP group, also congratulated the work of the health and social care partnership.

He added: “Inverclyde is punching above its weight.

“We are doing exceptionally well.”