Care England has welcomed new government guidance for the discharge of hospital patients to support the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care said it backed the Department of Heath and Social Care (DHSC) plans to provide up to six weeks of funded care and support for people being discharged from hospital.
From 1 September, the NHS will be able to access £588m of funding set aside by DHSC to provide the additional support so people can receive ongoing help with their recovery and rehabilitation after they leave hospital.
It is anticipated most people will be discharged back to their homes but some will need short or long-term residential, nursing home or hospice care.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) assessments will also restart from September ensuring those with complex health needs can continue to access the care they need for free.
Care England said the latest guidance was "tardy" but backed it and the £588m funding being made available until the end of March 2021.
“CHC assessments were deferred as a result of COVID-19 and with winter around the corner this guidance comes at a critical time. We hope that individuals, providers and families will be kept informed thereby ensuring that both funding and the provision of care is not interrupted for those living in care homes, an essential part of the continuum of care,” said Care England chief executive Martin Green (pictured, on left).
“We look forward to the new system taking shape and appeal to CCGs to work with providers and individuals to ensure that speedy and quality decisions can be reached. It is imperative that funding is not interrupted during the transition period,” he added.
