Government Announces New Plans

The government’s decision to make an extra £162 million available to local health and care services could be vital in improving the quality of treatment many people receive, an expert at Irwin Mitchell has suggested.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has confirmed that the money will be invested in boosting services that allow patients to leave hospital quicker and help them avoid unnecessary admissions in the future.

New short-term residential care places, home care support and rehabilitation services are set to benefit from the funding, which was generated through an efficiency drive.

Primary Care Trusts and councils will work together to consider how best to use their allocated funds in their areas.

Sarah Head, who advises on health and social care issues at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The quality of care that people who leave hospital receive often determines how well they recover from the medical problems they have suffered in the past.

“Improvements in the support offered to such patients may play a vital role in preventing them from suffering problems which could continue to blight them over the long term.

“It is now vital that both Trusts and councils make the best possible use of the funding they have been given to make a genuine difference to their services.”