§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional resources he plans to provide to(a) Worcestershire county council and (b) Worcestershire health authority to relieve winter pressures and to enable patients to be transferred from hospitals to more appropriate care; and if he will make a statement. [8039]
§ Jacqui SmithOn 9 October we announced a £300 million 'cash for change' initiative to tackle delayed transfers. This programme of investment and reform will 815W help to free up beds in hospitals, reduce waiting times for treatment and ensure patients, particularly older people, are cared for in the most appropriate place. The resources will be used to purchase residential and nursing care, intensive home care and intermediate care from local providers.
Worcestershire county council is due to receive an allocation of £713,000 from the £100 million being allocated this year and Worcestershire health authority received an extra £382,000 in April to help it prepare for winter pressures.