Freeing up space in hospitals and speeding up discharge for those who are medically fit to leave are also key parts of the blueprint. The NHS will be piloting a new approach to step down care across the country where patients will receive rehabilitation and physiotherapy including at home.
This will ensure people have a smooth
transition out of hospital, reducing the chances of re-admission while also
potentially reducing long-term demand on social care.
Measures implemented during the winter to help the NHS cope with demand will
also be expanded all year-round.
The issues we face
today are in no way a reflection on NHS doctors and nurses who work around the
clock to ensure they deliver care to hundreds of thousands of patients every
day, and we also cannot ignore the impact the pandemic has had on the NHS.
We are extremely
grateful to all doctors and nurses and that is why the government will also be
supporting them by giving them greater flexibility to move between hospitals
and work in services like 111, with more options for call handlers to work from
home.
More details about the government’s plan can be
found here: www.england.nhs.uk/2023/01/major-plan-to-recover-urgent-and-emergency-care-services/
The government is making up to £14.1 billion available for health and
social care over the next two years, on top of record funding to improve urgent
and emergency, elective, and primary care performance to pre-pandemic levels.
However, as I
have repeatedly said, there are no quick fixes to solving the serious long-term
challenges facing the NHS, but we can act
now to reduce long waits for urgent and emergency care.
This year the NHS will celebrate
its 75 anniversary. I believe we now need to look to the future and focus on
reforming the way NHS services are provided. The NHS needs to adapt to the
country’s changing needs, so that it can exist for another 75 years.
For now, I will continue to work with the local NHS, Cornwall Council
and Government to ensure we make the most of this opportunity to put the NHS on a sustainable footing
so that the people of Cornwall receive the care they need and deserve.
