The Homecare Association welcomes Lord Darzi's comprehensive review of the National Health Service. As the voice of the homecare sector, we find the report's findings both alarming and validating.
Key points
1. Deteriorating National Health: The increase in people living with multiple long-term conditions underscores the critical need for robust community-based care and support.
2. Misallocated Spending: We strongly agree with Lord Darzi's assessment that hospitals receive too much of the NHS budget, leaving community care and support underfunded.
3. Escalating Wait Times: The surge in A&E queues and waiting times highlight the urgent need for alternative care models, including enhanced homecare services.
4. Cancer Care Shortfalls: The lack of progress in early cancer diagnosis is deeply concerning. We believe increased community-based support can play a vital role in improving these outcomes.
5. Structural Challenges: The lasting impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 on NHS management emphasises the need for stable, long-term planning in healthcare policy.
6. Productivity Concerns: We concur with Lord Darzi's observation on the imbalance of resources between hospitals and community care. This aligns with our long-standing advocacy for greater investment in homecare services.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, said:
“Lord Darzi's review starkly illustrates the challenges facing our healthcare system. The findings resonate deeply with what we in the homecare sector have long observed and advocated for. The shift towards community-based care is not just desirable; it's essential for the sustainability of our health services and the wellbeing of our nation.
Homecare plays a key role in preventing hospital admissions and readmissions, and reducing delayed discharges. With 13% of hospital beds occupied by people waiting for social care, it's clear that investing in our sector can contribute directly to reducing waiting lists for NHS treatment. Our report offers suggestions for improving the hospital discharge process, from the perspective of homecare providers.
We urge policymakers to pay attention to Lord Darzi's recommendations and invest in community services, particularly homecare. By doing so, we can help to reduce demand for costly NHS services, increase efficiency and improve outcomes.”
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