The government has outlined plans to improve the links between the NHS and social care in its Integration White Paper.
The White Paper sets out some of the ways health and care systems will draw on the resources and skills across the NHS and local government to “better meet the needs of communities, reduce waiting lists and help level up healthcare across the country”.
This includes improved access to social care services through NHS data sharing.
“Currently local authorities cannot access all NHS data to make decisions about access to social care services. An integrated system would allow the NHS to notify a local authority straight away if a person requires social care support,” said the Department of Health and Social Care.
Other measures include better NHS support to care homes. “Integration between hospitals and social care would mean more specialist support so care home residents could be treated before they get unwell and avoid having to go to hospital,” it added.
The government also wants to see coordinated services. “Better integration across health and care will reduce the burden on people to have to coordinate between different hospital specialists, GPs, social care and local authority services themselves.”
“These plans will ensure no patient falls between the gap, and that everyone receives the right care in the right place at the right time,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Integration White Paper builds on both the Health and Social Care Bill and the People at the Heart of Care White Paper, which set out a ten year vision for social care funded through the Health and Care Levy.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid added: “Our Integration White Paper is part of our wider plans to reform and recover the health and social care system, ensuring everyone gets the treatment and care they need, when and where they need it.”
