Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 12
Our key new recommendation is that, by April 2022, the Department of Health and Social...
Conclusion
Our key new recommendation is that, by April 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care works with NHS England to produce a broader national health and care recovery plan that goes beyond the elective backlog to emergency care, mental health, primary care, community care and social care. It should be sensitive to the needs of local populations, incorporate the plans already announced in the ten-year plan, and explain how they will be delivered by the new Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). That plan must also set out a clear vision for what ‘success’ in tackling the backlog will look like to patients. In setting those metrics for success, the plan must take account of the risk that a reliance on numerical targets alone will deprioritise key services and risk patient safety. Instead, it must embrace a range of indicators to demonstrate that hidden backlogs are also being tackled and compassionate cultures encouraged.
Paragraph Reference:
12
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Accept in principle. The Government recognises the importance of the NHS and the social care system working together to address the challenges they face. The Health and Care Act 2022 legislates to ensure effective partnership working at all levels across the health and care system, and will support delivery of integrated health and care services that meet the needs of local populations. We have already set out many of our priorities for health and social care in publications such as the NHS Long Term Plan, the adult social care reform white paper, ‘People at the Heart of Care’, and the ‘Build Back Better’ plan. We will continue to develop and refine our plans for health and social care recovery, taking into account the needs of local populations and incorporating the plans already announced.