Free Access to Care Services guidance: Free Access to Care Services guidance is now available at www.doh.gov.uk/scg/facs . This guidance provides councils with a framework for setting their eligibility criteria for adult social care, and should be implemented by April 2003.

Reimbursement for Delayed Discharges: Published July 2002, this consultation paper sets out proposals to introduce a system of reimbursement, at the point at when responsibility for a patient’s care transfers from NHS to social services. Subject to legislation, the Government intend to introduce the reforms by April 2004. A similar system introduced in Scandinavia is claimed to have had a major impact on reducing the extent of delayed discharge for older people. The consultation is open until 18 September and the BGS Policy Committee will be preparing a response. www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/

Fully Equipped 2002: In June the Audit Commission published a report on action taken following publication of the original ‘Fully Equipped’ report in 2000. The 2000 study was critical of the failure of commissioners to use additional funding for the purpose for which it was intended. The 2002 report found some areas of excellence and innovation, but the general consensus is that so far the recommendations within ‘Fully Equipped’ have yet to be fully implemented. The report sets out a further range of recommendations for commissioners, highlighting the financial benefits of good equipment services for health and social care economies. It can be accessed at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/publications/upequipped02.shtml