An increase to the weekly rates paid to care homes for NHS-funded nursing care in England of 5% has been described as ‘totally inadequate’ by leaders in the sector.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced this week that the standard weekly rate per person eligible for FNC will increase from £209.19 to £219.71, from 1 April 2023.
This is equivalent to a rise of 5% for 2023/24 and is much less than the 11.5% rise seen last year.
The funded nursing care rate helps cover the costs of nursing care in care homes for those with a variety of needs, including people with learning disabilities, those living with enduring physical or mental health needs and various conditions associated with old age.
But chief executive of Care England, Professor Martin Green said the 5% increase was ‘totally inadequate and does not keep pace with rising costs’.
‘If the NHS continues to underfund this type of care, care homes will withdraw from delivering it on the NHS can deliver the service itself,’ he warned.
The DHSC also confirmed funding for residents on a higher rate would increase from £287.78 to £302.25.
