Government invests £150m in care
Published on 03 January 2012 12:00 PM
The Government will invest an extra £150 million to help patients receive home-based care instead of having to go to hospital.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced the funding, which has been made possible thanks to efficiency savings.
The decision has been unveiled by the Government after Age UK warned council funding cuts are creating an 'absolute crisis' in social care for older people.
The King's Fund think-tank has also previously warned that this age group can often take up hospital beds unnecessarily.
A further £20 million is also being put forward for the disabled facilities grant, which helps people to live independently at home.
The latest investment will be in addition to the £648 million already earmarked for primary care trusts (PCTs) for social services this year.
Local authorities and PCTs will decide on the best way to allocate the cash to relieve pressure on hospitals over winter.
Mr Lansley said: 'Savings have been made in the Department of Health's budget which we are investing to help people leave hospital as quickly as they can, when they are ready, and to receive support at home.
'Older people often need particular support after a spell in hospital to settle back into their homes, recover their strength and regain their independence. This money will enable the NHS and social care to work better together for the benefit of patients.'
Copyright Press Association 2012