Scottish government confirms £9 million extra for emergency care

^{NHS Lothian’s Eddie Balfour said: ’Our community respiratory team keep the vast majority of patients at risk of severe COPD out of hospital.’}

Eddie Balfour, physiotherapy manager at NHS Lothian, said: ’Our community respiratory team keep the vast majority of patients at risk of severe COPD out of hospital and in their own homes, by delivering expert care as part of a multidisciplinary team.

‘They also liaise closely with hospital colleagues to ensure that patients can return home safely and quickly if they have been admitted, which eases pressures on our hospitals.’

The additional funding from the Scottish government will support health boards to build on the six essential actions unscheduled care programme. The programme aims to share best practice and evaluate the impact of changes, including seven-day services and better flow of patients through care systems.

According to the government, £7 million has been allocated to individual health boards. The remaining £2 million will be targeted at initiatives that help support winter capacity, especially in those sites experiencing the biggest challenges.

The funding will help improve community services to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, it said.