Burnham’s proposals for social care: Is action needed sooner?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s early proposals on improving social care have been welcomed by care providers, but might the real-world action take too long?

Speaking to the press, Burnham laid out his big goals for social care, focusing on a need for the social care sector to support prevention, help people to move seamlessly between hospitals, home care and community services and put people at its heart.

While many of the headlines have focused on the question of spending, given that the Government has made it clear that any measures are “fully and sustainably funded”, the key point was the Prime Minister’s words on the merging of social care and health care.

Many Governments have set this as a goal and the concept has been proposed and spoken about for the last 50 years.

Closer integration is the right direction the Government needs to take, helping to reduce NHS hospital admissions. Where NHS trusts and social care providers operate separately, the care received can be fragmented, delayed and it can be made harder to deliver support for people with complex needs.

Another important aspect of the speech was the recognition and proposals that would support more carers into the sector.

While parity between care worker roles and those working in healthcare could be beneficial, this might mean substantial and consistent funding to local authorities so that care providers are able to provide their services.

Elsewhere, the Casey Review is being brought forward by a year, although the needs of the industry are pressing and action might need to be taken sooner.

“While it is good to see the Casey Review brought forward by a year, the reality is that the needs of our industry are now, not in a year’s time or however many years after it takes to implement its findings and recommendations,” said Sam Court, Nexus Care Services.

“Nevertheless, I don’t want to take away too much from the positive direction that these early conversations are taking. We hope that we are able to provide input into the Government’s plans as they develop,” he added.

While the Government’s plans are broadly welcomed, progress will depend on how quickly the reforms are implemented and if these can be sufficiently funded.

Contact Nexus Care Services on 0121 308 2906 or contact us here.