£800k to ease winter pressure on bay services

TORBAY Council has been awarded more than £800,000 of government money to ease winter pressures and pay for home care to keep people out of hospital.

The funding has been welcomed by Torbay MP Kevin Foster, who said it would help people gain confidence and independence. Torbay will receive £828,580.

Earlier this month, the

Health and Social Care Secretary announced £240 million for the social care system over winter, giving councils a boost to prevent people from going into hospital unnecessarily and getting them home as soon as they are ready.

This funding will ease pressure on the health system, and follows the announcement of £145m to improve emergency care within the NHS this winter. The money will pay for home care packages to help patients get out of hospital quicker, re-ablement packages to help patients carry out everyday tasks and regain mobility and confidence, and home adaptations.