NHS Confederation: Immediate need for change
Monday, 07 Jan 2008 11:34
Social care funding over the next decade needs to be immediately addressed, the NHS Confederation has said.
Nigel Edwards, director of policy at the confederation, which represents over 95 per cent of NHS organisations, said there is "an obvious and immediate need" to improve funding in the near future.
"However, as the number of older people requiring care continues to increase, so too will the need for a brave, farsighted solution," he added.
"As part of a long-term, cross-party response, government should introduce mechanisms to help people to make provisions now to meet their future needs, rather than relying on the current 'pay-as-you-go' system."
His comments follow the Caring Choices report, which warned of inequalities in care provision and a shortage of funding.
