A project to cut red tape and make life easier for older people in Warwickshire is being launched at hospitals across the county.

The Single Assessment Process (SAP) should put an end to older people being asked the same questions every time they need help.

The Department of Health has told health organisations to work together and pass information from one agency to another.

That means if a district nurse and a social worker visit an older person, they will not have to answer the same questions twice.

Leamington GP Dr Sue Inman said: "For the first time patients and carers will have full knowledge about what information is held about them.

"They should be fully aware of who is responsible for their packages of care and who to contact if there is a problem."

Jane Blackhall, SAP project manager for Warwickshire, said: "Everybody is really enthusiastic about the benefits to older people and staff. "SAP will lead to closer and better working across agencies and is not just limited to social and health services. 

Voluntary organisations, care homes, housing departments and ambulance services will also take an active role." l Launches have already taken place at hospitals in Nuneaton, Warwick and Stratford to explain the scheme to health professionals. The latest is being held today at Leamington Rehab Hospital, followed by Rugby's Hospital of St Cross on Thursday, and then Ellen Badger Hospital in Shipston and Alcester hospitals later in the month.