RCN asks members for views on future of social care

Published: 09 October 2009

The RCN today (8th October) launched an online consultation asking members for their views on the future of the social care system in England. Members' views will contribute to the RCN's response to the Government's Social Care Green Paper.

The Government published Shaping the Future of Care Together in July 2009. The document promises radical reform and includes plans to develop a National Care Service involving closer ties between health and social care and emphasising personalised care.

The future of social care funding in England is a key issue for the Green Paper. As well as asking members for their views on the Government's vision for social care, the RCN is also asking members to vote on which of the Government's proposed funding options they prefer.

The funding options proposed by the Government are:
• A Partnership option; where paying for care would be shared between the Government and the individual receiving care
• A Insurance option; the same as the partnership option, but the Government would help individuals meet their care costs through an insurance-based system
• A Comprehensive option; where those who can afford to do so pay into a state insurance scheme, meaning that everyone who needs care receives it for free

Members are also provided with the opportunity to give their thoughts on alternative funding models.

Dr Peter Carter, head of the Royal College of Nursing said: "Social care has rightly become a high priority for all political parties. The Government's consultation offers a historic opportunity to establish a fairer system of care where people understand what care they are entitled to and how to access it. Changes to the social care system will impact significantly on nurses, both in their professional capacity as well as in their personal lives. We urge members to use this opportunity to make their voice heard to ensure patients receive the fairest deal."

To get involved with the consultation, members should to go to http://www.questback.com/royalcollegeofnursing/socialcare2/. The deadline for members' responses is Saturday 31st October.

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. Current estimates indicate that there could be a £6 billion shortfall by 2027 if reforms are not made. The case for change - Why England needs a new care and support system. HM Government, May 2008. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_084725

2. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

3. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.