Research finds NHS costs cut by a third in charity's retirement communities

Independent research by Aston University shows the Extra Care Charitable Trust (ECCT) saved the NHS money by successfully combining health, social care and housing services for older people. This included employing a qualified nurse as well as providing informal drop-in sessions and advice services.

The report examined the total NHS savings across the NHS (primary and hospital care) for each participant in the study. This included the amount spent on nurses, GP appointments, and hospital admissions.

Over a period of 12 months alone, the reduction equated to the NHS spending an average of £1,115 per person per year less on residents living in properties run by ECCT than it would have done had the trust not provided the services, thereby reducing the NHS spend for residents by 38%.