20.03.20
NHS Providers: Financial support for the NHS and social care welcomed
Government announced another £2.9bn in support to strengthen care for the vulnerable and the newly-passed Coronavirus Bill, as the country continues to grapple with the virus outbreak. In response to the decision to allocate the additional funding, NHS Providers have praised the extra financial support.
Chief Executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, said: ““The NHS is facing the biggest challenge in a generation.
“We welcome today’s announcement by the Government as it provides much needed financial support to the health and care system in these difficult times.
“We now have clarity on how the Chancellor’s £5bn emergency funding for coronavirus will be divided, with £2.9bn going to the NHS and social care.
“It is good to see that the Government has listened to concerns that there needs to be a clear and quick path out of hospitals into social care or back home for those patients who are medically fit, to ensure that capacity is cleared where appropriate.
“This is helpful when combined with the announcement that elective operations will be postponed to free up beds, space and staff so that those with the virus can be prioritised. The NHS is doing everything it can to prepare to handle an increase in demand due to the virus.”