We all know that our precious NHS is under enormous pressure due to Covid and the flu season and that the winter period poses additional challenges.

I am pleased that the Health Secretary has used an additional £200 million to purchase extra beds in care homes and other settings to help safely discharge patients. This is on top of the £500 million Adult Social Care Discharge Fund which is already helping discharge people more quickly.

Safely discharging more patients will free up hospital capacity for those who need it, ensuring patients get the care they deserve when they require it and delivering on our promise to cut the waiting lists