2026 - Aberdeenshire - Discharge to Assess (D2A)

Discharge to Assess (D2A) is a core component of the Discharge without Delay (DwD) national programme in Scotland. DwD supports a “Home First” approach, where discharge is planned early and delay is avoided by making D2A the default model for assessment and care planning where possible.

The Discharge to Assess service would be implemented in the following areas: Formartine, Garioch and Buchan plus those registered with the two general practices in Fraserburgh. It will involve the commissioning of a social care provider to work collaboratively with Occupational Therapy (OT) and Enablement and Support Coordinators (ESC) employed to support the commissioned social care provider to deliver D2A in the above areas.

The model will mostly target people admitted to acute wards and look to support people home from our emergency department in ARI (ED). The aim is to reduce ongoing care requirements, avoiding unnecessary lengthy hospital admissions, by maximising independence and enabling people to remain in their own homes. The commissioned care-at-home offer will support safe discharge and short-term reablement, including personal care; moving and handling/transfers; meal preparation/provision; medication administration/support; and overnight support where required.