The Welsh Government has announced that it is making an additional £30 million in funding available to local authorities with a view to strengthening community-based social care services and improving processes for discharging patients from hospital.
Local authorities are expected to focus allocation of additional funds on preventative and early intervention initiatives, as well as actions that enable people to leave hospital as soon as they are clinically able to do so, with the aim being to help people live healthier lives at home and within their communities.
Allocation of funding includes an amount for the development of a multi-disciplinary prevention team in Bridgend, which is designed to bring down the number of hospital admissions in the area by providing targeted support to individuals, both in care homes and the wider community.
This £30 million investment aligns with the Welsh Government’s broader strategy to bolster social care and create a more sustainable and community-focused care system. It also highlights the increasing importance being placed on the provision of social care in easing pressures on the NHS and improving public health outcomes.
“By investing in community-based support, we can help more people return home from hospital when they’re medically ready and enable others to remain independent in their communities. This will not only improve experiences for individuals but also help patient flow through our hospitals.”
Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care