Local MP, Robert Halfon, has welcomed the additional investment of £250 million to free up capacity and reduce pressure on the NHS this winter, taking the extra funding for the health service to £750 million since November.
The NHS is under enormous pressure from Covid and flu, and on top of tackling the backlog, this winter poses an extreme challenge. At the Chancellor’s autumn statement in November, a £500 million Adult Social Care Discharge Fund was announced which has helped to discharge medically fit patients from hospital to other care settings, reducing the pressure on NHS hospitals across the country.
This week, the Health Secretary has gone further with the announcement of an additional £250 million to support the NHS this winter. £200 million will buy thousands of extra beds in care homes and other settings to help safely discharge patients – with an additional £50 million to upgrade discharge facilities in hospitals, helping to discharge people more quickly and safely.
Welcoming the announcement, Robert Halfon said, “Safely discharging more patients will free up hospital capacity for those who need it, ensuring patients get the care they deserve when they require it, reducing the pressure on NHS staff and resources and delivering on my promise to strengthen our NHS.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the additional £250 million of funding this winter to cut waiting lists and reduce the pressure on the NHS. I know that Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow is home to incredibly dedicated doctors, nurses and support staff who work tirelessly to support patients from across our community. This funding will help our local patients and hospital staff.
“I would like to pay tribute to everybody from across Harlow and the villages who dedicate their lives to serving our community in the NHS.”
