‘An opportunity for progress’ – Hft responds to Care England’s report

HFT has responded to the publication of Care England’s new report, Care For Our Future, which outlines a roadmap for delivering sustainable adult social care, saying it offers a much-needed opportunity for progress in the sector.

Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft, said:

“Care For Our Future presents a clear and comprehensive route towards delivering sustainable adult social care which should be followed by the next Government. By following these ambitious steps, there is an opportunity to make real progress against the most pressing challenges faced across our sector and, vitally, to create the long-term stability that is so desperately needed.

“We are all too aware of the fundamental workforce challenges we face. As highlighted by our Sector Pulse Check research, published in partnership with Care England, high staff vacancies are having dire consequences, forcing providers to turn down admissions and even close services.

“Investing in our invaluable workforce, whether by mandating a professional register for staff or establishing a minimum care wage, is a vital step for the next party in power.

“We also support Care England’s proposals on improving integration. The NHS and social care are inextricably linked; a healthy adult social care sector supports efficient hospital discharge and can prevent unnecessary admission. Yet, in order for this to be a true and effective partnership, it is imperative that adult social care has a seat at the table. Our voice must be heard at all levels of integrated care systems.

“Finally, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the roadmap’s proposals on long-term funding. A £10bn annual funding boost would make a sustainable and impactful difference that short-term sticking plasters fail to achieve. Rather than perpetually just surviving, it would offer providers the stability to invest in and innovate their services for the people they support, permitting greater choice and opportunity.

“We hope that the next Government listens carefully to these recommendations. We must choose to take the journey towards an adult social care system which is thriving and is genuinely embedded in an integrated system.”