Laura Sharman 09 February 2022

White paper aims to improve links between social care and the NHS

White paper aims to improve links between social care and the NHS image
Image: Spotmatik Ltd / Shutterstock.com

The Government has outlined plans to bring local government and the NHS closer together under its new Integration White Paper.

The white paper sets out plans to better integrate the NHS and social care in a bid to provide patients with 'better, more joined-up care' and reduce waiting lists.

Under the plans, local authorities and the NHS will be encouraged to share data and be more transparent about their performance. A new integrated system will allow the NHS to notify a local authority immediately if someone requires social care support.

The Government said improved integration would also deliver earlier intervention, more personalised care and give patients a single digital care record.

Health and social care secretary, Sajid Javid, said: 'Better integration is vital to stop people falling into the gaps between health and social care.

'Ensuring our health and care systems work in unison will mean we can support hardworking staff, provide better care to patients and deliver value for the taxpayer.

'Our Integration White Paper is part of our wider plans to reform and recover the health and social care system, ensuring everyone gets the treatment and care they need, when and where they need it.'

Paul Najsarek, Solace spokesperson for health & social care, added: 'The potential for local government to make a real, positive difference to the people and places we serve is immense, but it will only be by working together with health, voluntary and community sector partners, and playing to our respective strengths, that we will be able to deliver meaningful change by better treating and preventing illness, improving public health, and addressing inequalities.'

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: 'This is yet another government policy without substance. Without sufficient staff or investment to deliver them, these reforms are doomed.

'The NHS and social care are running on fumes because of workforce and funding shortages. Joined-up working won’t happen until ministers stop dodging the issues that really matter.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Product Support Analyst

Essex County Council
£33512 - £39425 per annum + Hybrid Working
*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Security Architect

Essex County Council
£60049 - £70645 per annum + Hybrid Working
This is a 12 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. E England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Control Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37602 - £45564 plus shift and weekend allowance
Are you looking for your next opportunity to work as part of a team in a 24-hour emergency control room covering the Boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. To be responsible for receiving and logging calls from the public, outside agencies and partners. Use Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior User Centered Designer

Essex County Council
£60049 - £70645 per annum + Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held on 29th and 30th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the fr England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Network and Communications Lead

Essex County Council
£52621 - £61906 per annum + Hybrid working
Interviews will be held W/C 20th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner