Marcus Jones MP has welcomed increased Government funding for Warwickshire PCT. The PCT will now receive allocations of £829 million for 2011-12 which represents a 3% growth in funding.

The funding will cover primary dental services, pharmaceutical services and general ophthalmic services, with an additional £6m to support joint working between health and social care.

The funding allocations are based on a weighted formula that includes improvements, such as a new mental health formula, which lays the groundwork for the switch to GP consortia and Local Authorities from the NHS Commissioning Board and Public Health England. The changes are expected to free the NHS from political interference and support the transfer of decision-making to health professionals on the front-line of service delivery.

Commenting on the funding, Marcus said: “This additional funding is very welcome and there is an expectation that PCTs and local authorities will work together to make the best use of the additional resources available for joint working. The Government has announced some exciting plans for the NHS that will help to create a service that focuses relentlessly on patients. It will also allow health professionals to make the decisions they are qualified to make, taking out political interference.

“The 3% increase is great news for Warwickshire but I will be seeking assurances from the PCT and local authorities in terms of what their health priorities are for the coming year and what steps they are taking to ensure closer working between health services and social care services as that is a vital step to improving the NHS locally.”