RCN response to Select Committee report on social care

Published: 08 February 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today responded to the Health Select Committee report on social care. RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“We welcome the Committee’s focus on the care of older people. Getting social care funding right is crucial not only for the future of the social care system but the NHS too. It is nursing staff and the NHS who deal with the pressures of delayed transfers between hospital and community settings on a daily basis, increasing restrictions on services and confusion over who pays for what.  Equally, there is a revolving door effect as without the support in the community, people increasingly end up in hospital.

“The key issue remains the underfunding of the social care system and the clear funding gap that is emerging. A single commissioning process is a logical starting point in simplifying the system, addressing gaps and preventing duplication of services for patients and users.

“We urge the Government to take on board the recommendations of the Dilnot report in the forthcoming White Paper and a deliver a health and social care system that is fit for the future.”

 
Notes for Editors
 
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
 
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.