MP: Cumbria is gaining £40 million from the Better Care Fund

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that Cumbria will receive £40 million from the Better Care Fund to improve care for the elderly and those with complex health needs in Cumbria and reduce hospital admissions.

In Cumbria health and care organisations are investing just over £40 million in delivering better care. They aim to reduce hospital admission in this area by 1.9%. This funding is part of a national package from £5.3 billion from NHS England.

These local plans are at the heart of the Liberal Democrats' plan to join up care in local communities, enabling doctors, nurses and carers to work together to support some of the most vulnerable people in society, including the elderly, and those with complex long term conditions.

Tim said: "I know how many dedicated individuals - doctors, nurses, carers and many more people - work hard day after day to deliver good care for people in Cumbria.

"I've been totally committed to freeing up organisations to do the things they know will work for local communities. This plan could make a real difference to the lives of those in Cumbriawith the most complex health needs, and help give people the independence and dignity everyone deserves in life."

Health Minister Norman Lamb added:"Currently, as a patient you have to negotiate a bewildering array of different organisations to access the care or treatment you need. All too often people can fall through the gaps, ending up in A&E because of uncoordinated care

"The Liberal Democrats want to join up different care services around the needs of the individual, so health and care organisations work together to provide the best possible care.

"This approach will help deliver value for money, so that our NHS and care system are protected for the future. But it is also about building a fairer society - providing dignity to the vulnerable, and making sure people have the support to live their lives to the full."