People needing additional follow-on care after being discharged from hospital will be supported by a £588m fund to cover adult social care or the immediate costs of care in their own home, the Government has announced.

From 1 September, the NHS will be able to access the funding in order to provide up to six weeks of additional support so people can receive ongoing help with their recovery and rehabilitation after they leave hospital.

This could include support in their home or access to services such as physiotherapy.

‘We know for the majority of people the road to recovery can be quicker when they receive care and support in the comfort of their own home,’ said health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock.

‘This funding will help ensure people can be safely discharged from hospital knowing they will get the vital follow-on care they need to recover fully from treatment.

‘We’re also making sure those with complex health needs continue to receive the best support possible in the community.’

NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) assessments will also restart from September ensuring those with complex health needs can continue to access the care they need for free.

Cllr Paulette Hamilton, vice chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, commented: ‘We are pleased to see this further injection of funding to ensure that people can leave hospital as soon as is safe and return home wherever possible.

‘We are also reassured by the commitment that no one will go into a care home without having been tested for the virus. Local government has asked for these commitments and will continue to play a key role in making them happen.’