NHS
Boroughs in GP estate devolution call
London Councils has called for more devolution to boroughs of decisions on the GP estate.
Councils under ministerial pressure over winter care funding
Ministers have piled pressure on councils to maintain winter funding for home care packages, hours of care and care home placements as bed blocking increases.
Let’s tell a new story
Graham Allen says a focus on social care being solely about getting people out of hospital only diverts attention from keeping as many people as possible away from unnecessary admission.
Unblocking the blocks
Reading has seen a 15% decrease in delayed discharges of care compared to last year. Seona Douglas outlines the key approaches she believes have made a difference.
Medway's success in reducing delayed transfers of care
Chris McKenzie outlines how innovation and strong partnership working has enabled Medway to reduce levels of delayed transfers of care (DToC) to among some of the lowest levels in the region.
Building thriving towns
Adur DC and Worthing BC are taking a stake in their local economies to catalyse investment in their places, based on establishing firm foundations to help local communities thrive, writes Martin Randall.
NHS chief slams 'perverse' planning rules
The chief executive of the NHS has slammed ‘perverse’ planning rules making it easier for fast food outlets to open but placing restrictions on gyms.
‘We cannot keep relying on one-off emergency funding’
Those of us who rely on social care, care for family members who do, or will need care and support in the future, need three things from the new Government, says ADASS president Julie Ogley.
This will be a different Conservative Government
Head of local government at Grant Thornton UK, Paul Dossett, says the fact that the Conservative majority has been won by gaining seats in towns in Wales, the Midlands and the north of England will make a difference.
Securing the foundations for change
A five-year jointly-commissioned mental health and learning disability contract worth well over £300m offers a platform of stability that will enable long-term planning and investment, says Iain MacBeath.
Government departments: ‘adopt a national health and wellbeing board approach’
Poverty and inequality should be understood and tackled as a public health issue, says a new paper from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services. Ann McGauran reports
Health leaders in fresh social care warning
Health leaders have warned that the persistent neglect of social care is damaging patient care across the NHS.
District councils play a major role in health and well-being.
If we can keep our most vulnerable residents safe, well and happy in their own homes, this will prevent future health crises that could cost the public purse far more, says Paul Shevlin.
Breaking down the barriers between councils and the NHS
How are HR heads overcoming the barriers to closer working between councils and the NHS? Michael Burton put questions to London borough HR leads at a recent monthly meeting.
Social care is the election’s Cinderella service
Michael Burton says the main parties fall over themselves to shower largesse on the NHS and claim the service is at death’s door through underfunding, while social care’s role in reducing NHS costs is barely mentioned.
We will all pay the price for not spending on care
Heather Jameson says the Government is tinkering on the edges of the welfare reforms in an effort to ease the pressure, but it is not enough. The cost of care is phenomenal – both in terms of the cash and the long-term damage.
Hopson warning over politicising health and social care
Politicians should avoid using the NHS as a weapon during the General Election and instead offer ‘proper, sustainable’ solutions for the social care crisis, a leading health sector figure has argued.
Kent’s very own powerhouse
Cllr Paul Carter has stepped down as leader of Kent CC. Now he plans to apply his energies to local care and the vocational agenda, including apprenticeships. Ann McGauran reports
Roll-out of mental health support for rough sleepers begins
A £12m scheme to provide mental health support for rough sleepers has been launched.
COSLA conference: 'Devolved powers have stopped at Holyrood'
It is a ‘sad paradox’ of devolution that powers handed to Scotland 20 years ago have stopped at Holyrood, the president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has said.