Government will miss care plan target, survey suggests

Published: 18 September 2009

The Government is likely to miss its 2010 target of offering all patients with long-term conditions a care plan, according to research undertaken by advocacy groups and supported by the Royal College of Nursing.

A survey of more than one million patients in England conducted by National Voices, an umbrella organisation for groups that represent users of health and social care users, found that 70 per cent of respondents thought the care plan target would not be reached.

Care plans are patient-friendly roadmaps that record the treatment and social support needed by a person with a long-term illness.

The results suggest that only five million of the 15 million people who live with conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease have been offered a care plan. For the 2010 target to be met, one million care plans will have to be delivered every month until the general election.

The survey also found that specialist nurses, who often bear the brunt of NHS nursing cuts, offer patients the most support in the care planning process.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive, says: "It is important that people with a long-term condition have a care plan that ensures the care they receive is consistent and provided in a way that the patient is happy with.

"Specialist nurses provide the vital support and guidance needed to involve patients in the care planning process. Without appropriate investment in specialist and community nursing services, the Government will run the risk of not meeting its target by 2010, preventing these patients from receiving the type of care they need and deserve."