The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) said too many patients are discharged from hospital into nursing homes to free up beds.

It follows the introduction in January of fines for councils who did not accommodate patients within two days.

But Cornwall's care coordinators were highlighted as a 'good practice'.

In too many places there is not enough emphasis on the experience of people going into long-term care. David Behan, chief inspector of the CSCI

Staff and patients from seven council areas, including Cornwall County Council, were asked about their experiences since January for the report.

Although some areas had excellent arrangements that offered people choice in future care, others placed too much focus on numbers and not enough on people, according to the CSCI.

There were wide variations in what happened to people when they left hospital between different parts of the country, the report published on Wednesday said.

David Behan, chief inspector of the CSCI, said: ""In too many places there is not enough emphasis on the experience of people going into long-term care.

'Well informed'

"If health and social services are just concentrating on rushing people out of hospital there is a real danger that this will end up dictating what will happen for the rest of their lives."

The report praises Cornwall's use of care coordinators - who are assigned to all older people using social services - for providing "much valued continuity".

It says that the coordinator maintains a link with the patient while in hospital and arranges care when they leave hospital.

"They have close links with GP practices so are well informed about the hospitalisation of people on their caseloads and their medical needs," the report said.

"They maintain active links with the older person and other professionals involved and review and adapt support as needed."