Boris Johnson announces £300m for NHS upgrades to prepare for winter pressures

“We are still seeing the care people receive in the community not receiving the priority it desperately needs despite the fact more people have been dying at home and in care homes during this pandemic. 

Whilst we recognise it is important to ensure our hospitals are prepared this winter, it is also vitally important that community services are given the same priority.  This pandemic has shown the tragic consequences of not doing this. 

We cannot simply cut people adrift dying at home or in a care home leaving them without the care and support they need and must have. Community providers need to be equally prioritised. Thousands of people are cared for, and die, in the community, and those providing this care, need urgent funding to keep doing this and more. Not doing so, further widens the gulf between acute settings and community settings. 

We know that for many people, dying at home surrounded by their loved ones is their wish. However, people can only die at home if the services which enable them to do so are there when they need them.  This needs urgent and significant investment.  

We have serious concerns that those who miss out on community-based palliative care will have to rely on their loved ones who can only do so much. The repercussions of that on their health and wellbeing, especially mental health, and the effect it will have on their grief will be felt for a long time to come."