The Big Conversation On Social Care 

Background  

Our members and their families have been failed by successive governments in not getting to grips with the care system. Continuous false promises and reviews have got us no further towards a state-funded, free at the point of use, public sector NHS care system. Since the NHS was set up in 1945 care has continued as part of the private sector in the main. The care system remains in a state of collapse.

Current Position 

Government aspirations at least are starting to take shape with the call for a national care service, bringing health and care closer together.

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has not ruled out tax rises or other difficult funding choices, although he has said some improvement is possible within existing resources.

Coverage also emphasises workforce reform, including pay, training, job security and career progression, with Burnham arguing that care workers should be valued far more highly.

A further theme is the acceleration of the Casey review (ARMs members can click here to participate in the survey).

The Prime Minister has argued that the NHS will not return to good waiting-time performance unless social care is strengthened, because delayed care, limited community support and insufficient care capacity all increase pressure on hospitals.

The King’s Fund have cautioned that social care should not be presented only to reduce NHS waiting lists or delayed discharges. They argue that social care’s core purpose is to help people live independently, safely and with dignity.

Policy may also aim to reduce crisis-led support, improve independence at home and give individuals more control over care planning.

PCS and ARMs Policy

PCS and ARMs policy supports a fully funded health and social care system based on need, not profit, with private profiteering removed from health and social care provision.

ARMs policy also calls for disabled and older people, unpaid carers and care workers to be directly involved in shaping social care reform and any national care service.

PCS and ARMs policy seeks to ensure that there is decent pay, conditions, training, sick pay and security for care workers, including action against zero-hours contracts and exploitation of migrant care workers.

This is a key issue that all members can get involved in. Get involved in ARMs meetings and activity where you can. PCS has an important voice as a campaigning Trade Union. With your support we can ensure that our voices are heard. And don't forget to complete that survey.

Click here to contact the Merseyside ARMs Secretary for more information on how you can get involved in ARMs.

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