The spending review statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that the Government will be investing an extra £3.8bn to integrate health and social care services. Many social care providers have welcomed the announcement and commitment from the Government to support the needs of people in the health and social care sector.
In his speech the Chancellor said: “Many older people do not just use the NHS, they also use the social care system. If we are honest they often fall between the cracks of the two systems, being pushed from pillar to post and not getting the care they should”. It is hoped that the investment will improve home care services within the community to protect older people from what the Chancellor described as: “The tragedy of people being dropped in A&E on a Friday night to spend the weekend in hospital because we can’t look after them properly in social care.”
It is also hoped the investment will relieve pressure on A&E services and save the NHS 1bn.
