NHS Confederation responds to ADASS survey on social care pressures this winter

Responding to the snap survey published by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Danny Mortimer chief executive of NHS Employers and deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation said:

“Despite a record increase in home care provision, there is huge pressure on adult social care staff and services this winter.

“For the NHS, it will take the backlog caused by the pandemic even longer to clear if we don’t immediately tackle the pressures facing social care.

“For social care more generally the government must act immediately to stem the loss of more care workers this winter and the social care workforce should be awarded a £1000 retention bonus.

“In the longer term, Government must immediately publish their long-promised White Paper, along with a long-term health and social care workforce plan.

“Staff in the social care system are working flat out to ensure people get the care they need. The challenges they face have been unsustainable for some time. There can be no further delay.”