Croydon is expanding its 'Let's Talk Home?' initiative to more wards at Croydon University Hospital, aiming to facilitate smoother discharges for patients needing residential care. The expansion was discussed at the Scrutiny Health & Social Care Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, as part of an update on the Adults Living Independently transformation programme. The meeting took place to discuss the Report to Scrutiny on ASCH Transformation and Stabilisation plan.
The 'Let's Talk Home?' discussions involve a multi-disciplinary team that identifies potential residential care packages earlier in a patient's hospital stay. This proactive approach aims to ensure that residents are discharged to the most appropriate care setting, supporting their independence and reducing reliance on acute hospital beds. The initiative has been rolled out to 10 targeted wards at Croydon University Hospital.
Early results from a reablement pilot show a significant reduction of over a week in the average length of a resident's time in reablement. Furthermore, each trial resident's reliance on formal, long-term care has been reduced by over 3 hours per week when compared to the baseline period.
The Adults Living Independently transformation programme is the core transformation and savings delivery model of the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate's 2024-2028 Medium Term Financial Strategy. The programme aims to support residents to increase their independence wherever possible, enhancing their outcomes and quality of life while reducing reliance on commissioned care services.
According to the meeting's report, the 'Let's Talk Home?' initiative has already been rolled out to 10 targeted wards at Croydon University Hospital. The report stated that a number of residents have been discharged home following discussion at this forum, and when followed up weeks or months later, all residents checked remain at home.
The total expected financial benefit to the council from the Adults Living Independently programme is projected to be £15m per annum at full rate, expected in early 2029. The cumulative benefit over the next full five financial years (up to and including 2029/30) is expected to reach £54m.
