Urgent Drive to Reform Social Care is Welcome

I warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s latest announcement on tackling the long-standing challenges facing social care. For too long, reform has been delayed while families, carers and our NHS have faced the consequences.

Andy Burnham has committed to finding common ground across party lines, meeting with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to begin discussions on urgent reform. This is an important opportunity to put problem-solving ahead of political point-scoring and work towards a care system that provides dignity, security and support.

Alongside this, Baroness Louise Casey is leading the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, which will make recommendations for a future National Care Service. The public will also have an opportunity to shape this work through the Big Conversation on Care.

As a doctor, I have seen how closely health and social care are connected. Lasting reform would benefit patients, families, carers and our NHS, and I welcome efforts to finally address this challenge.