A £7 billion package for health and care services to support the next phase of the NHS response to COVID-19 has been announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Of this, £6.6 billion in new funding will support the ongoing NHS response to the pandemic, continuing funding for the hospital discharge programme, infection control measures, long COVID services, and NHS staff support services. This is in addition to £341 million of funding for infection control measures and rapid testing in adult social care services, continuing to protect some of the most vulnerable in society as we cautiously ease restrictions.
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‘We’ve backed the NHS at every point in this pandemic, so they can treat patients, stay safe and save lives,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock.
‘We’re backing them again today with a further £6.6 billion of funding for the first half of this financial year, including £594 million towards safe hospital discharge.’
The additional £341 million for adult social care takes the total infection control fund to almost £1.35 billion and support for rapid testing to £288 million, with the money helping to keep residents and staff safe while supporting visiting in line with the latest guidance. This funding is in addition to free PPE and further support for designated settings to ensure safe hospital discharge.
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‘I can announce £341 million to support adult social care with the costs of infection prevention control and testing that will make sure visits are safe for everyone,’ added Mr Hancock.
‘We will also be extending enhanced discharge arrangements for mental health patients.’