BED blocking in Bolton hospitals is largely a thing of the past, local health bosses claimed today.

An Audit Commission report found that delays in care arrangements mean more than 4,100 elderly patients in Britain remain on wards every day when they are well enough to leave.

The main reason for delays for the over 75-year-olds is a wait for a nursing or residential home placement, or a wait for a needs assessment. In Greater Manchester, 6.25pc of over 75s end up staying on wards even when they are fit for discharge, half of them because of problems finding residential home places, or because of funding issues.

But, say Bolton Primary Care Trust bosses, systems have been set up in Bolton that means bed blocking is no longer a problem.

Figures produced by the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust show that in many weeks no elderly patients have to stay in hospital when they are fit to leave, and in other weeks the figures are as low as one or two. Beating the problem is seen as a result of co-operation between hospitals, primary care providers and social services.

"This isn't just about freeing up beds in hospital for more admissions -- it's better for the patients' health and well being," said Primary Care Trust chief executive Kevin Snee.

Much of the success has been put down to intermediate care services in the town. These provide a half-way house where patients can be cared for in the community before they recover fully or are able to move onto more permanent accommodation.

Bolton has 47 intermediate care beds in Darley Court, Alderbank, Winifred Kettle House and Thicketford House. Patients can be transferred from hospital, or referred to the homes by GPs as an alternative to hospital.

There is also has a rapid response team to support people in their homes who need more intensive nursing.

Cllr Cliff Morris, executive member for social services and health, said: "Elderly people are getting the treatment and care they need and deserve."