NHS Confederation welcomes social care commission announcement

Government announces independent commission on social care

The government has announced the creation of an independent commission on social care. The NHS Confederation has responded positively to this news, highlighting the crucial need for support in the sector.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, stated, “This announcement sets out a range of welcome commitments – not just the commission but also short-term support for the sector as well. Social care provides vital support to people up and down the country every day.”

The NHS is currently facing immense pressure from winter viruses, staff sickness, and high demand. One of the key reasons for patients remaining in hospitals when ready for discharge is the lack of social care.

Taylor added, “Healthcare leaders will welcome the additional funding and measures to boost capacity as these will also support the NHS. The government’s ambition to find a long-term solution for social care is commendable. We urge all parties to work together to create a consensus for action.”

He acknowledged the significant changes required: “We know that significant change will require difficult choices, but the pressure on social care and the impact on the NHS means that governments can no longer kick the can further down the road.”

The NHS Confederation looks forward to collaborating closely with the new commission. Taylor commented, “We and our members look forward to working closely with the new commission given the significant implications its findings will have for the health sector.”

In the meantime, Taylor suggested that more short-term support might be needed: “It seems likely that the government may need to provide further short-term support for the social care sector – particularly to break the continued cycle of difficult winters the health and care sectors have experienced.”