A £500 million Adult Social Care Discharge Fund to help people out of hospitals and into social care support has been announced by the government.

The measure is part of the Our Plan for Patients initiative for this winter and next unveiled by Health and Social Care Secretary Therese Coffey today.

The plan also includes the next phase of the national adult social care recruitment campaign, along with £15 million to help increase international recruitment of care workers by supporting local areas with visa processing, accommodation and pastoral support.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “On the steps of Downing Street this month, I pledged that one of my earliest priorities as Prime Minister would be to put our health and care system on a firm footing.

“These measures are the first part of that plan and will help the country through the winter and beyond. Ultimately my mission in government is to grow our economy, because that is the best way to support the NHS and social care system and ensure patients are receiving the frontline services they deserve.”

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum, said: “The NCF welcomes social care being high on the priorities of the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. However, the scant detail outlined in the plan makes it difficult to understand whether it will make the urgent and immediate impact that everyone receiving care and support, and working across the care sector needs.

“The talk is of prevention as a priority, yet the main actions and resource appear to focus squarely on hospital discharge. The government has to wake up to the massive challenge facing the social care workforce and outline a strategic workforce plan that addresses pay, terms and conditions in a meaningful way. Short term discharge funding will not undo systemic inequities those receiving and delivering care face day in day out.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, added: “I welcome the government’s announcement to put specific money into supporting discharge from hospitals into social care services.

“This must be delivered in the form of a tariff, which must be at least £1,500 a week to enable care providers to appoint the staff necessary to do rehabilitation and support work. I also welcome extra money for overseas recruitment, which is an essential part of dealing with our current staffing crisis.” 

Nadra Ahmed OBE, executive chairman of the National Care Association, said: “This a very welcome announcement as a first step to tackling the chronic shortfalls in social care funding. The key to the impact of this investment will rest with the route it takes to reaching the frontline, which is where it must land. Past history of released funds must not be allowed to repeat itself. We await the details in the hope that it’s aims can be fully met.”