Seven day services

Effective joint 24/7 working improves the flow of people through the system and across the interface between health and social care meaning that services are more responsive to people’s needs.

Thumbnail

Some things that people have told us about what works and how to overcome the challenges

  • social workers in hospitals on Saturdays and Sundays – a good time to meet with self-funders, carers and family, and to get people ready for discharge on Monday
  • ensuring the rest of the system also offers seven-day working – including transport and pharmacy
  • engaging care providers
  • adopting flexible working practices
  • overcoming concerns and sensibilities – for example that people won’t be discharged on Christmas day.