The Northumberland locality delivery plan
Plans for health spending in the county over the next 12 months will focus on reducing unplanned hospital admissions and improving care closer to home.
The Northumberland locality delivery plan, which has been jointly developed by Northumberland Care Trust and the emerging GP consortium, Northumberland Commissioning Group, outlines the key actions and projects to be led by the GP consortium in 2011/12.
Schemes to tackle obesity and reduce alcohol and drug misuse are included in the plan alongside the county-wide roll out of an end of life scheme originally piloted in Tynedale, designed to support patients who wish to die at home.
Delivery of the plan will be led by GPs under the Northumberland Commissioning Group working in partnership with local NHS organisations, the local authority and the community and voluntary sector.
The plan is available online from http://www.northoftyne.nhs.uk/
Commission on Funding of Care and Support
The Dilnot Commission has now published its report on reforming care funding. Key proposals include:
- A £35,000 cap on lifetime care costs (not including board and lodging in residential care).
- Means-test threshold for residential care up from £23,250 to £100,000.
- Free social care for people who develop care and support needs before they turn 40.
- National assessment and eligibility system.
For a full copy of the report and its recommendations in full, visit http://www.dilnotcommission.dh.gov.uk/