Health leader says social care must be given equal priority to the NHS

Social care must urgently be given the same priority as the NHS to address workforce shortages, improve support for vulnerable people, and reduce pressure on hospitals, according to Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance

His comments follow the publication of Skills for Care’s State of Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce report, which highlights the importance of a stable and skilled workforce in delivering high-quality care across England.

Workforce shortages

Longstanding challenges surrounding pay, working conditions and access to training continue to make it difficult for adult social care providers to recruit and retain staff.

These issues contribute to workforce shortages across the sector, creating more pressure on care providers and making it harder to ensure people receive the support they need.

A well-trained, well-supported workforce is essential to improve the quality of care and help people live independently for longer.

Social care and NHS need to work together

A fragmented social care system can have significant consequences for the NHS, particularly when people cannot access the right support in their own homes.

Without the right social care, more people may require hospital treatment or remain in hospital longer than necessary because suitable care arrangements are not available.

Giving social care equal importance to the health service could help prevent avoidable hospital admissions, support timely discharges and ensure people receive appropriate care in their communities.

Plans for a national care service

The government’s plans to develop a better-funded, universal national care service present an opportunity to address longstanding problems across the sector.

However, improving funding alone will not be enough. Making social care an attractive career choice will also require better working conditions, improved access to training and greater staff support.

Strengthening the workforce will be essential to building a sustainable care system that meets the needs of an ageing population and people who require ongoing support.

Recognising social care as an equal partner to the NHS could help create a more joined-up approach, ensuring people receive the right care at the right time while easing pressure on health services.