Care England has welcomed a 9% uplift in the NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC) rate for 2019/20.
Following a review, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the NHS FNC weekly rate for 2019-20 would rise from £165.56 currently to £180.31 for the 2019/20 financial year and be backdated to 1 April 2019.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “This has been a long time coming, but we must be grateful to the DHSC for launching a review of the 2019/20 FNC rate as a result of Care England representations. The outcome of the review moves us close to the rate Care England campaigned for and we put, as part of the review process, very detailed arguments and evidence to support it.
“The 2019/20 FNC did not reflect nurse costs in nursing homes and this was the reason behind the decision of Care England to push for a review. In addition, coronavirus has put a significant strain on care homes as they are responsible for the provision of care to some of the most vulnerable members of our society again demonstrating the absolute need for properly funded nursing care.”
The higher rate of NHS-funded nursing care will also increase by 9% from the current rate of £227.77 to £248.06 per week for 2019/20, however, this is only relevant for people already on the higher rate.
Martin added: “Managing the continued safe provision of nursing care to all residents at this time is particularly challenging given the staff shortages that are resulting from self-isolation/illness and the high demand within the NHS for additional nurses. Obtaining and retaining nursing capacity within the care home sector during ordinary times is tough, but the position now is even more difficult and financially challenging.”