THE Island's bed blocking crisis appears to be over after the Isle of Wight NHS was ranked the second best area for hitting targets.

As previously reported by the County Press, St Mary's Hospital had dozens of beds filled with older patients who were ready to leave but were unable to do so as they did not have a care package organised by the Isle of Wight Council.

The 'blockers' meant new patients coming into hospital had to wait for beds, which had an impact on the A&E department and even for ambulances waiting to drop patients off.

The latest figures published by NHS England, which compared local authority areas, placed the Isle of Wight as second out of 44 areas hitting targets.

The dramatic improvements have been put down to the Care Close to Home strategy, introduced by the council in March. It has sped up the council's processes and reduced delays in patients leaving hospital.

Dr Carol Tozer, director of adult social services, said: "I would like to thank my staff who have worked hard, and alongside NHS colleagues at the hospital and in the community to ensure when a patient is ready to transfer, a care package has been prepared for the them.

"Our teams support many residents across the Island and our aim is always to ensure they have the best possible outcome and care, for their well-being and remain living at home for as long as possible."