What is an Interim Care Scheme?

An Interim Care Scheme, also known as Step-Down Care, is designed to ensure patients have the best long term outcomes and acute hospital beds are used appropriately.

Evidence shows that patients often make a better recovery if they move from hospital into interim care, rather than going straight into a long term placement.

An interim solution provides the patient with a homely environment in which to convalesce and rehabilitate to the best of their potential.

An Interim Care Scheme reduces the delays to discharges, allowing hospitals to maintain a more appropriate case mix of patients on acute wards.