The Care Quality Commission has published its annual State of Care report, which concludes that the health and care system is in gridlock.
Key findings of the report include:
- Large numbers of people are stuck in hospital longer than they need to be, due to a lack of available social care.
- 36 per cent of care home providers say that workforce challenges have had a negative impact on the service they deliver
- Despite multiple reviews and reports, people continue to face huge inequalities when accessing and receiving health and social care.
- These challenges are influencing the financial stability and sustainability of providers.
Care England has welcomed the report. Its chief executive, Professor Martin Green OBE, said: “This report paints a stark reality of the frontline. A gridlocked system, catalysed by a lack of funding and workforce pressures, prevents the system from operating efficiently and sustainably. If this gridlock is to be overcome, there must be an appropriate level of investment to stabilise the immediate and systematic workforce pressures currently experienced in the social care sector. There must also be a strategic focus on true integration, shifting the current focus from organisations and processes to people and outcomes. This report is the latest in a long line of publications which present the need for immediate government action to help tackle the ongoing workforce pressures. The can must not be kicked down the road any further; we need something to change, and we need this change now.”
“This report highlights the incredible work of adult social care sector providers but illustrates the immense pressure they are under trying to maintain high-quality, person-centred care within the current climate. The report’s findings are a testament to the unwavering commitment of the workforce and highlight how vital it is to take action to ensure care providers can continue to deliver the quality of care that some of society's most vulnerable deserve. The government and regulator must reflect upon their roles and look to facilitate the delivery of safe, quality and sustainable care in the future.”
