Sussex is the bed-blocking capital of England with more old people than anywhere else staying in hospital when they could be discharged.

There are almost 500 people in Sussex and Surrey waiting to go home from hospital or move into care.

Each one of these cases represents frustration for the old people concerned who would generally far rather be somewhere else.

It is annoying for the hospitals who would much rather treat someone in real need.

It is costly for the council because hospital treatment is more expensive than home or residential care.

There are problems in Sussex because of the high number of elderly people and problems in recruiting hospital staff due to the steep cost of living.

But one of the main difficulties is the shortage of care homes and a willingness by councils to pay the cost of using them.

Better liaison between health and social care, particularly in Brighton and Hove, is helping to shorten the waiting times.

It should be possible to move most elderly people into care and provide support to ensure many of them never have to enter hospital in the first place.

Bed-blocking may never be eliminated completely but reducing it should be a top health aim to ensure hospital beds are reserved for those whose need is greatest.