AN MP has welcomed a government funding boost for community care as it seeks to end hospital bed blocking.

Pendle's MP Andrew Stephenson said the money will improve health, cut costs, ease staffing pressures, free up beds and cut waiting times.

The plan would see £3.5 billion a year in new real terms funding for primary and community healthcare by 2023/24 under the NHS Long Term Plan.

Mr Stephenson said: “Through this additional NHS funding, Pendle residents will be able to access treatment closer to home. More patients will be able to receive care in their community, saving time and money spent travelling to hospital.”

“Everyone deserves to receive care tailored to their needs and that’s why I strongly welcome this major boost for community healthcare, which will give more patients a genuine and high-quality alternative to hospitals.”

Around a third of people end up staying in hospital longer than they actually need to because they can’t receive treatment close to home.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “This additional funding of £3.5 billion a year by 2023/24 demonstrates our commitment to primary and community healthcare, capable of relieving the burden on our hospitals over the coming years and revolutionising the way high-quality care is delivered for our most vulnerable patients.”