Social Care

One of the key crises facing us now is the health and social care. The important yet often forgotten element of this is the social care challenge which has been side stepped by past governments. More worryingly most parties in the recent general election indulged in a conspiracy of silence where social care was avoided wherever possible. Why does social care need to be addressed?

The first more obvious is that the lack of social care blocks beds in hospitals which need to be used for other purposes such as cutting down waiting lists for operations. The NHS will not release patients unless there is a proper care plan to look after them. Secondly, social care is best done in the community where people live supported in their own community and family where possible. This needs help but is also a lot cheaper than keeping people in hospital. Finally, and importantly, is the question of quality of life for those in care, and their carers.

If we want to do more caring in the community, then we need to look at the professional and family carers in terms of training, salaries and allowances. Whilst none of these are an easy fix, we need bold action and a cross-party approach, not kicking it into touch.

Cllr Luigi Gregori

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson NWHants