The standard weekly rate per person provided for NHS-funded nursing care has increased by 11.5% from £187.60 to £209.19 for 2022 to 2023 and will be backdated to 1 April 2022, it has been announced.

The increased funding for nursing in care homes will support tens of thousands of care home residents with nursing needs, including those with learning and physical disabilities.

In recognition of the additional time and work provided by nurses in care homes during the pandemic, a retrospective uplift on the 2021 to 2022 rate has also been applied providing an estimated additional £87 million to the sector.

The funding is paid by the NHS directly to care homes who employ registered nurses. This allows care home residents with specific healthcare needs to benefit from direct nursing care and services.

Registered nurses provide support to people 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. This type of nursing requires a range of skills and training, with the extra funding supporting this important role.

The additional funds will help cover the costs of nursing care and support the staff that provide it, ensuring the vital service can continue to support the needs of residents and all those who rely on it.

Providing nursing care within care homes also helps reduce the pressure on hospitals where the government’s record funding can be used to help clear the COVID-19 backlog.