SOME Malvern Hills patients will be enjoying Christmas at home this year, thanks to a cash injection of £100,000 for health and social care.

The money is being spent by Malvern Hills Primary Care Group to provide more winter cover than ever before.

Elderly patients like 78-year-old Mildred Grimes, of South Lawn, Peachfield Road, and 72-year-old Muriel Cox, of Worcester Road, Malvern Link, have been able to receive extra nursing care at home, rather than in hospital.

Mrs Grimes, who has had two hip replacement and two knee replacement operations since 1992, had the last knee operation in October and was sent home a week later, compared with 10 to 14 days in the past.

"I was glad to be home and very happy with the care I got," she said.

"The physio came in three times a week at first and I also had the district nurse visiting me. They have been marvellous, I can't praise them enough.

"I'm looking forward to having Christmas at home with my sister."

Mrs Cox had a knee replacement operation in August and still receives regular visits from physiotherapists and district nurses.

She said: "Every day my walking improves and I am not worried about having my other knee replaced now. I know the physiotherapist will come to me at home and help me gain confidence to walk again."

The primary care group's chief officer, Gillian Goodlad, said a range of additional services would be put in place over the next four months to ensure that those needing a hospital bed would get one.

Others would be offered appropriate services such as extra nursing care in their own home, a short stay in a nursing home or respite care in a community hospital.

For those staying at home, there would be additional night-sitting services, a 24-hour district nursing service and extra nursing auxiliaries to support the health visitors for the elderly.

"We have been working closely with Worcestershire Community and Mental Health Trust and Worcester-shire social services to target resources effectively," she said.