BED blocking in hospitals could soon be a thing of the past -- it is hoped --thanks to a unique new job, believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Forty-eight-year-old Eddie Clarke has been appointed as Worcestershire's first head of health and social care, older people and physical disabilities.

The unique post will bring together Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Health Authority (WHA), who are jointly funding the appointment, in a bid to combat problems such as bed blocking.

The father-of-three will develop health and social care for older people and integrate both organisations' services for the elderly and adults with physical disabilities.

Mr Clarke, who currently works at Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, will answer to both the social services director and WHA's chief executive when he takes up his post in the autumn.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this unique opportunity.

"What really impressed me most was the fact that it is a joint venture, which demonstrates a real commitment by the two organisations to work together."

This post is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

WHA chief executive Pat Archer-Jones said: "This is good news for patients and users of services throughout Worcestershire.

"Our aim is to integrate services to give more streamlined care and eradicate waste and duplication.

"Eddie has extensive experience and will be in a key position to drive forward these service improvements."