Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, has welcomed the Government’s £3.5 billion funding boost for community care to end hospital ‘bed blocking,’ saying that it will improve health, cut costs, ease staffing pressures, free up beds and cut waiting times.
Around a third of people end up staying in hospital longer than they actually need to because they can’t receive treatment close to home. The Government set the plan to tackle chronic hospital “bed blocking” by sending in crack 24/7 teams of GPs, nurses and physios into the community and care homes. The plan would see £3.5 billion in funding for primary and community by 2023-24 under the new NHS Long Term plan which will see £20 billion invested in the health service.
Mr Stephenson said: “Through this additional NHS funding, Pendle residents will be able to access treatment closer to home. More patients will be able to receive care in their community, saving time and money spent travelling to hospital.”
“Everyone deserves to receive care tailored to their needs and that’s why I strongly welcome this major boost for community healthcare, which will give more patients a genuine and high-quality alternative to hospitals.”
