Laura Sharman 29 January 2021

Pandemic has exposed how 'fragile' social care system is, report warns

Pandemic has exposed how fragile social care system is, report warns image

The Government must urgently deliver on its pledge to fix social care, a coalition of 15 national health organisations has warned today.

A new report warns the pandemic has highlighted 'the failings and underlying weaknesses' of the social care system, which must be drastically overhauled.

Health for Care sets out how the NHS relies heavily on the social care system, including guarding against unplanned emergency admissions and ensuring timely hospital discharge to community settings.

Danny Mortimer, chair of the coalition and chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 'The NHS and social care are sister services and have been supporting one another and working closely together throughout the pandemic. However, when one service does not work, the other suffers, and the past few months have brutally exposed how fragile and under-resourced England’s social care system has become.

'The Government must now deliver legislative proposals to fix social care, once and for all. A well-funded and good quality social care sector is fundamental to a healthy nation and a well-performing NHS. Without social care reform, with a clear and transparent timetable for delivery, backed up by a long-term funding settlement, not only will the NHS and social care continue to run at near breaking point through the pandemic, but they will struggle to address the long-term health and social care issues the crisis leaves in its wake.'

The report warns 1.4 million older people are estimated to have unmet social care needs, while social care spending in England has fallen by 12 % per person over the decade to 2018/19.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Our country's adult social care system has never been under such pressure with the unprecedent challenges of the pandemic.

'We have provided billions of pounds of additional funding to the care sector, with further support being made available to respond to COVID-19, including regular testing of staff and residents, free PPE and prioritising staff and residents for vaccinations.

'Delivering a care system that is fit for the future remains a top priority and we will bring forward proposals for sustainable improvements to the system in due course.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Assessment Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510 - £45,564 per annum
Financial Assessment Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Events Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.28 per hour
Events Officer- Harlow District CouncilHarlow, Essex Full time, Temporary £18.28 per hour PAYE Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner