CQC report calls for radical change in care system

The Care Quality Commission’s annual report calls for a radical change to the current health and social care systems to ensure that predicted future demand can be met.  The report estimates that by 2030, 1.7 million more adults will require care, which will put increasing pressure on public spending.  It recommends that more services need to be made available to enable people to live at home for longer, to prevent unnecessary hospital and care home admissions and to shorten stays in residential care.  Investing in these services could save the economy around £4.7 billion – but would require a ‘fundamental cultural shift towards people controlling their own care.  Providing services that are tailored to an individual’s needs would be key to reducing costs and encouraging people to stay independent.  The report also advocates better joined-up working between health and social care services and increased focus on reducing inequality and respecting people’s dignity and rights.  CQC chair Jo Williams comments: ‘Overall, there have been steady improvements, and it is really important to celebrate that. Successes have come in areas that really matter to people such as…helping people live independently at home. But we are mindful of the fact that pockets of poor practice remain. This must be addressed…To cope, we need some radical changes in the way we organise and deliver services… A key part of this will involve helping people maintain their independence and health.’ You can read a summary or a full version of the report, entitled ‘The state of health care and adult social care’ at the CQC’s website.

Tags: Care Quality Comission, social care