UK prime Minister Theresa May has announced the rollout of a national scheme to assign teams including pharmacists to provide "personal care" to residents of aged care homes with the aim of reducing hospitalisations.
The 24/7 rapid response teams also include doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, and will provide urgent care and support in the community as an alternative to hospital - including emergency treatment as well as support to help patients recover at home.
The major new investment in primary and community healthcare will be worth 3.5 billion annually by 2023/24, significantly boosting the proportion of overall health spending on primary care.
May said the increase would give more patients a "genuine and high-quality alternative to hospital".
She cited analysis which suggested that more than 33% of hospital admissions from care homes were avoidable.
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