A NEW community care team is providing home treatment for adults to prevent them having to stay in hospital.
The "seamless" service offered by Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust is aimed at patients needing intermediate care.
It has been developed with Durham County Council's social care and health section and Durham City Council.
Based in the city council's new Annand House premises, at Meadowfield, near Durham, it covers the entire trust area.
Intermediate care prevents some avoidable hospital admissions, and can help people return home sooner.
Trust chairwoman Ann Calman said the team can play a vital role in helping patients to maintain their independence, living at home, and freeing up beds.
The team began its first referrals last week.
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