The Government has confirmed that Cornwall will receive £7,112,820 from the national £500 million Adult Social Care Discharge Fund.
The Adult Social Care Discharge Fund was announced as part of the Government’s plan for patients on 22 September, will support discharge from hospital into the community and bolster the social care workforce, to free up beds for patients who need them. As part of this fund Cornwall Council will receive £2,327,820, and Cornwall’s NHS Integrated Care Board will receive £4,785,000.
The fund will be used flexibly by local NHS organisations and local authorities, such as Cornwall Council, targeting the areas facing the greatest challenges and strengthening the sector’s ability to recruit and retain staff. This will improve pathways for people to leave hospital when they are ready, and with the right care and support in place. The Government will hold the local NHS and local authorities to account for implementation.
Commenting on the news was St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double, who said:
“It is clear that one of the major pressures facing our NHS is that of delayed discharge – where a variety of circumstances have led to people who no longer need to be in hospital occupying beds which could be better used for people who need them.”
“That is why I am pleased that the Government has come forward with a £500million Adult Social Care Discharge Fund to give local NHS organisations and local authorities like Cornwall Council the funding they need to tackle this issue and free up the capacity that they need to support the people who need assistance.”
“Cornwall has been allocated more than £7million from this fund and I will be working with our NHS Integrated Care Board and Cornwall Council to ensure it is drawn down and used for maximum benefit.”
“Just as delayed discharge is just one part of the challenges that face our NHS and social care systems, this plan is only part of the Government’s wider response, and I look forward to seeing more details of the full package of support for adult social care in the coming weeks.”