GP practices in England are set to receive additional funding to provide more proactive support to patients at risk of becoming seriously unwell this winter.
The Government announced a £40 million programme on 9 November, aimed at helping vulnerable patients remain well at home and reducing avoidable hospital admissions.
The scheme is expected to support up to 300,000 patients with conditions including heart disease, frailty and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
GP practices will be able to identify patients most at risk and offer additional care tailored to their needs. This could include health checks, home assessments, medication reviews and nurse-led respiratory clinics.
The funding will be allocated through Primary Care Networks, with £126 available for each eligible patient supported.
The programme forms part of wider preparations for winter, as the NHS faces increased demand for services. The Government says the additional support will help patients receive care earlier, before their conditions deteriorate and hospital treatment becomes necessary.
Patients will be identified by their GP practice, so the scheme does not mean that everyone with a particular health condition will automatically receive additional support.
