Use this page to understand what SCAS do, the model they currently work to, and how they receive referrals.
SCAS were previously known as the Hospital Social Work Team and were present in local hospitals to provide information and advice, Care and Support Needs Assessments, support planning and safeguarding functions for adults in hospital.
Discharge to Assess model
The team's function has now changed. A 'Discharge to Assess model' was implemented nationally during the COVID 19 pandemic
Previously, people who appeared to have a social care need received a Care and Support Needs Assessment under Section 9 of the Care Act 2014 prior to discharge from hospital.
Under the Discharge to Assess model, patients now follow one of 4 designated pathways:
- No need for ongoing care, discharged home from hospital.
- Discharged to own home with Reablement support.
- Discharged to nursing or residential care with Reablement support.
- Complex case, SCAS team may be involved in assessment within hospital setting (this is rare).
What the SCAS team do
The Social Care Assessment Service is a team of social workers and social care practitioners who will undertake a Care Act assessments for :
- people who need ongoing support after they have returned home and received support from Reablement
- people who will require a care home placement after discharge
In some, complex cases, the team will also work with a small number of people who are still in hospital.
Referrals
The team receives referrals from the Care Coordination Centre including:
- Reablement teams
- Urgent care response
- Community Hospitals
- Flow team (based in the RUH)