The government has announced a £40 million programme to help GPs in England keep vulnerable patients out of hospital this winter. Up to 300,000 patients most at risk, with conditions such as heart disease, frailty and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will receive extra support, including medication reviews, health checks, home assessments and nurse-led respiratory clinics.
The government says it is strengthening partnerships with social care, so providers supporting vulnerable people at home may see more contact from GPs and community teams. The announcement forms part of wider winter preparations, including flu vaccination, urgent care investment and expanded Pharmacy First services.
Under the funding arrangements, which reallocate from existing GP budgets but are ring-fenced, Primary Care Networks will receive £126 for each eligible patient they support. Since October, practices can also use reimbursement funding to employ locum GPs.
