Government white paper on NHS and Social Care reform is a tentative start

The white paper points to a new legal framework for the NHS and local government to provide integrated care systems but contains little concerning the reforms that are so badly needed in social care. The white paper acknowledges this, indicating that further reforms are still in the offing “this year”. Significant reforms have been promised for years but have again yet to materialise.

The white paper, whilst welcome, demonstrates the Government’s lack of understanding of the care sector, says the dedicated Social Care team at law firm Royds Withy King.

Mei-Ling Huang, Partner, Royds Withy King comments.

“Care providers will welcome a truly integrated care system but will want to know what this will mean in practice. Care providers need a voice that is equal to that of the NHS in the provision of health and social care. If the system is to be truly integrated, then social care will need to be given an equal seat at the table. The white paper seems to acknowledge this, but fails to explain how this will be achieved.”

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