SOCIAL services bosses in Worcestershire were today handed at least £1.4m to tackle the county's "bed-blocking" crisis.

Government Ministers said the cash was needed to free hospital beds currently taken up by elderly people who are fit to leave but have nowhere to go.

The "bed-blocking" is having a knock-on effect on other hospital departments by delaying the transfer of patients from A&E on to surgical wards.

The cash boost, to be brought in over two years, was welcomed by Worcestershire County Council and hospital leaders.

"Any money which comes into the department to ease this problem is gratefully received because we do need it and there's an ever-growing need," said Councillor Edward Chowden, portfolio holder for social services, health and well-being.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust spokeswoman Janet-Marie Clark said: "The Trust will continue to work with all parties concerned to ensure patients who have completed their treatment are discharged into appropriate care as soon as possible, which in turn will make hospital beds available for patients requiring medical treatment."

Worcestershire was not included in a list of 50 "hot spots" where bed-blocking is particularly acute, but a Department of Health spokesman said the plan was to free up 1,000 beds nationally.

The bulk of the money is expected to be spent on buying extra places in private care homes. But it could also be used to employ extra social services staff so elderly people can be cared for in their own homes.

Worcestershire will have to sign new "service agreements" with homes before cash is released.

This will involve signing three-year contracts to pay for an agreed number of places, aiming to offer care homes a greater degree of certainty about the future and preventing them selling properties off, which has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of places available in recent years.

"I welcome this extra cash - but it isn't a long-term strategic solution to the problem, said Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff. "It should also be noted this money doesn't come without strings attached."

Worcester MP Mike Foster said it was important health and social services bosses should be encouraged to work more closely with the private sector - and each other.

"Allocating the money in October will allow better planning in advance of hospital staff coming under winter pressures," he said. "It's good news."