Norfolk County Council has received £1.9 million in order to support the resilience of urgent and emergency care services this winter.

The grant, given by the Department of Health and Social Care will increase the capacity of Adult Social Care during the winter season to reduce the pressure on health services this winter.

The schemes will increase the capacity of services which aim to decrease hospital admissions and improve hospital discharge during the winter. The funding will be allocated to schemes that are already established, allowing increased capacity to be rolled out quickly and effectively in preparation for increased pressure over winter.

Working with NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), three key areas of capacity have been identified:

1. Increasing social case assessment capacity, aiming to reduce the risk of admission and expediate discharge from hospital processes.
2. Increasing HomeFirst capacity, a service designed to provide the appropriate care for individuals in their homes.
3. Greater support for VSCE and community services, through District Direct and localised support.

Cllr Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, said “Its vital that we work in partnership to reduce the increased pressures that our hospitals and health services expect to face through the winter period. This increased funding will mean that more people can receive the care they need without needing to be admitted to hospital and reduce discharge delays from hospitals too.

“Overall the aim is to reduce the coming winter pressures on the NHS and the wider health system, while providing better, more personalised care for people in Norfolk.”

Marcus Bailey, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) Winter Director said: “No one wants to spend longer in hospital than they need to. In fact, when someone spends a prolonged period of time in hospital when they are ready to be discharged it can lead to deconditioning, reduced independence and worsened health outcomes.

“That’s why it’s really important we provide quality community care to support people to leave hospital when they are well enough and transition to life living with or after illness or injury. This investment will help to strengthen the services already provided by Norfolk County Council as a key Integrated Care System partner.”

Norfolk’s Warm and Well campaign provides support and advice for people through the winter. Information is available on vaccines, support for winter hardship and tips to keep well over the winter. More information is available at Stay well and warm this winter – Norfolk County Council