MORE than £500,000 will be invested in social care in Warrington to help people leave hospital earlier and receive better care at home.

The money comes from an extra £150 million announced by the Government last week to help shorten hospital stays during the winter.

Clr Ian Marks, Warrington Lib Dem leader said: “Thanks to pressure from the Liberal Democrats, the cash can be used to access various preventative services such as better home care support, crisis response teams and specialist equipment.

“Extra money is good news and this investment will help more elderly and vulnerable people get the care they deserve.

“This investment will help more elderly and vulnerable people get the care they deserve.

“At this time of year it is particularly important to do everything we can to ensure people are cared for at home in a safe and familiar environment, with their family and friends close by.

“By reinvesting these savings in social care we can offer more help and more support to older people leaving hospital.

“It is absolutely crucial that the NHS and the council work together to help people leave hospital when they are ready.”

The money comes from savings made in the Department of Health’s budget and is on top of the £648 million already given to primary care trusts this year to support social care services.

Clr Marks added: “The benefits are on all sides – patients get to go home with the support they and their families need and hospital beds are freed up.”