A Felixstowe councillor has hailed an East Suffolk Council-led project, which is helping speed up the discharge of vulnerable patients from hospitals at a time when the health care services are under increased pressure.

Richard Kerry, who represents the Trimley ward, praised the Stepping Home project, which supports those who are identified as having a housing or social need that could prevent them from being discharged and ensures they are able to return home or find safe temporary accommodation.

Over the last two weeks, the project has enabled 42 vulnerable patients to be discharged from hospital by carrying out urgent repairs or additions to their homes or placing them in temporary accommodation that supports their care needs.

Cllr Kerry, Cabinet Member for Housing said: "The Stepping Home project has never been more important. It helps free up much-needed beds in hospitals and makes a real difference to vulnerable patients at a difficult time in their lives.

"Only recently we supported an elderly lady who, due to a stroke, needs care three times a day. Through the Stepping Home project, we are able to fit a key safe in her home, enabling carers to get in and start immediately, meaning she could be discharged from hospital and return to a safe environment."

The Stepping Home project is led by East Suffolk Council in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, Babergh District Council, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Orwell Housing Association, British Red Cross and Lofty Heights.

For more information about the project, go to Stepping Stones website