Data from the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service (DE‑SNS) show almost 2,800 patients admitted to public hospitals in mid‑January were waiting for either a social‑care response (734) or a place in continuing care (2,034). The DE‑SNS figures prompted a ministerial order revising institutional coordination that comes into force Wednesday to speed transfers and placements. Families of patients and those needing hospital discharge should check with hospital social services and local health units about placements and the effects of the new coordination order.