Somerset Council’s Executive has today (5 November) approved the award of new contracts for the Discharge to Assess (D2A) service, a vital part of the county’s approach to supporting people as they leave hospital and return home.
The D2A service enables people to be discharged home from hospital, where they will receive up to six weeks of tailored support from health and social care professionals.
This approach focuses on independence by preventing unnecessary long-term care, which also helps people remain at home for longer. The service is jointly funded by Somerset Council, Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust via the Better Care Fund. It is delivered in partnership with NHS therapists and commissioned providers.
The D2A service currently supports around 3,000 people each year, helping to reduce hospital bed days, prevent admissions, and promote active recovery at home. By enabling timely discharge, the service eases pressure on local hospitals, reduces waiting times, and improves patient outcomes. The new contracts will ensure continuity of care when the current arrangements expire in May 2026, avoiding delays that could impact both health and social care services and patients.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness at Somerset Council said:
The re-commissioning and awarding of the Discharge to Assess contracts ensures that residents receive high quality care and reablement at home when they are discharged from hospital. This helps to preserve their independence, which we know is vital in reducing the likelihood of hospital admissions in future.
Supporting people to return to their own home whenever possible is not only better for individuals but it also helps reduce pressure on local health services and ensures that hospital care is available for those who truly need it.
The Council’s decision was informed by extensive public consultation, and the new service specification reflects this, with a strong focus on dignity, independence, and personalised care.
Full details can be found here: Decision to award Contracts for Discharge to Assess.pdf.
