Response to £35m funding boost for NHS winter pressures
Published on 15 November 2018 05:01 PM
Age Cymru's health initiatives co-ordinator, Angharad Phillips, said: "While we welcome the injection of extra cash for the NHS in Wales, we're keen to highlight the significant role our social care sector can play in keeping older people well.
"Our own winter health campaign Spread the warmth focuses on keeping older people well during the winter months and thereby avoid hospital admissions wherever possible.
"Many older people never fully recover following a long spell in hospital, particularly when it is caused by a delay in the discharge process.
"We are currently working with several health providers to make sure older people have access to the right information to help reduce illness and subsequent admissions to hospital. Managing patients in community settings such as pharmacies can play a huge part in reducing admissions to both GP surgeries and hospitals.
"We also welcome the additional funding for our third sector colleagues who help ensure older people are able to return to their home from hospital when they are ready without unnecessary delay."
ends