The Department of Health is providing funding to improve local services and to reduce the pressure on the NHS during the winter period, it was announced recently.

The money will be spent directly on local care services and prevent any unnecessary admissions to hospital. The Clinical Comissioning Groups (CCGs) could use the funding to improve local arrangements with nursing homes, improve out of hours services for patients and extending GP practice opening times.

The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, "This is the first time emerging Clinical Commissioning Groups – made up of GPs and other local clinical professionals – have been given money to spend on services for patients. This additional funding, available due to good management of the Department’s central budgets, will harness the expertise of local clinicians who know better than anyone, what their patients need.”

“Moving decision-making closer to patients will mean ‘no decision about me without me’ and ensures that patients receive the right care according to their individual needs. This more effective and efficient way of working will see savings reinvested in front line NHS care.”

For more information
www.mediacentre.dh.gov.uk/category/press-releases