FINES to punish Social Services for not moving elderly people out of hospital quickly enough have been slammed by elderly care specialists.

Dr Arup Banerjee and the Bolton Association of Residential Care homes (BARCH) say the £100 fines are not in the interests of the elderly people.

The government plans to fine Social Services departments if they do not assess and find accommodation for a pensioner within two days of them being given the all clear by doctors.

Although the Royal Bolton Hospital does not have a bed-blocking problem, there are still concerns.

Dr Banerjee, a former consultant physician for older people at Bolton hospitals, who is also a professor in Health and Community Studies at Bolton Institute as well as the President of the Bolton over-50's Federation, said: "I do not think any social worker would intentionally leave a patient in hospital.

"What people don't realise is an elderly person with complex needs takes a lot of time to assess because there are medical and health issues as well as social issues.

"Such placements are made after very careful assessments of the clients' medical, psychiatric and social conditions which, if undertaken properly, is bound to take time. A quick no-solution institutional approach may suit some hospital managers, but it may not be the best for the individual and their families."

Deputy Chair of the BARCH, Cllr Andy Morgan, said: "People will come through the system much quicker into our homes. That is not right for them. It also takes away the choice from the person and their families.

"It can be very disruptive for an older person to be moved into a temporary home and then moved again to where they actually choose to be and we are all worried about this.

"At the moment we have enough capacity and will gladly work with the council and hospital but it only takes another home to close and we'd be in trouble.

"We're talking about very vulnerable people here, not statistics."

Dr Banerjee, added: "Managing the health and social care delivery process is not easy; it warrants knowledge, commitment, positive attitude and a holistic approach."

"We do not always succeed in this, but many devoted individuals, organisations and charities are working tirelessly to improve the situation. We can do without any measure likely to cause friction and thereby fragmentation of the service."