WIREDGOV

The Welsh Government has confirmed how a £50m a year fund that supports joined-up working between health, social care, housing and the third sector will be used to deliver care closer to people’s home over the next 12 months.

The fund is being targeted at delivering effective integrated and preventative services for children with complex needs, people with learning disabilities, older people and carers. 

• £30m is being invested in projects that help older people maintain their independence, avoid hospital admissions and prevent delayed discharges. 
• £15m is being invested in services that support people with learning disabilities, children with complex needs and carers.
• £3m is being invested in the continued delivery of a National Integrated Autism Service (IAS) for Wales, which will improve support services for children, young people and adults by providing them with lifetime support.
• £2m is going to continue the national roll-out of the Welsh Community Care Information System, a common IT system for health boards and social services which provides a shared record of care, allowing practitioners to coordinate and manage work across organisational boundaries.

In addition, funding has been identified to support ICF capital projects in 2018-19. The capital programme is already funding a number of accommodation based solutions to support older persons’ housing needs. These include home adaptations, building conversions and new-build schemes. The details of the capital programme will be announced by Ministers in due course.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“The £50m we’re investing in the integrated care fund this year demonstrates our commitment to delivering effective integrated services across health, social services, housing and the third sector. 

“It will help deliver new innovative and seamless services for children, older people and for people with learning disabilities and other complex needs, ensuring they receive the care and support they need to live the lives they want to lead.”