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What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (11/12/23)
As another week dawns upon us, it’s time to review the most recent health and social care news. If you’re looking for an easy-to-digest rundown of what’s been happening, you’ve come to the right place. With that in mind, here’s your weekly roundup!
1. COVID Eat Out to Help Out Scheme May Have Contributed to Virus Spread
Rishi Sunak recently denied that the controversial Eat Out to Help Out scheme, implemented during the Coronavirus pandemic, contributed to increased infection levels. The now-prime minister (who was chancellor at the time of the policy) is set to face the ongoing COVID inquiry this week.
A paper published by the University of Warwick in October suggested that the scheme could have led to as much as a 17% rise in infection clusters (with a lower estimate of 8%).
2. Many Councils at Risk of Bankruptcy
Nottingham City Council recently became the latest to issue a Section 114 notice, which prevents any new spending.
This news comes among fears that as many as 1 in 5 council leaders are at risk of being issued with Section 114s. The lack of spending by the chancellor in the recent Autumn Statement has been blamed.
3. New Report into Dementia Makes Several Recommendations
A recent report published by the NHS Innovation and Life Sciences Commission (titled the Dementia Commission: Report 2023) recommends, amongst other things, that:
A nationwide public campaign be launched to raise awareness about early dementia detection.
The dementia diagnosis target be raised to 90% by 2030 (it currently sits at under 70%).
Increased funding is provided for earlier detection and diagnosis of dementia.
Standardised protocols be introduced for dementia assessment in primary care settings.
Existing support networks for dementia patients (and their families) are expanded.
4. Almost Four-Fifths of Autistic Adults Reach Crisis Point Before Receiving Care and Support
Autism Alliance recently published its Breaking Point report in which a significant care gap was highlighted for autistic adults in England.
The report (which can be viewed here) found that 77% of autistic adults reached a crisis point before receiving appropriate care and support, just under half (48%) didn’t believe the social care they received met their needs, and over half (56%) of autistic adults don’t even try to get support because they don’t believe they’ll receive it.
It also found that over 11,500 autistic adults based in England aren’t receiving the social care they need. As part of its recommendations, the report suggests that the government closes the funding gap and that it commits to broader social care reforms.
5. New Foster Carers Sought
The number of mainstream foster households has decreased since 2019, with industry leaders saying more are sorely needed.
There has been a 7% reduction in the number of mainstream foster households compared to 2019 and a 5% reduction this year in LA households. Mainstream LA fostering households continue to comprise the largest subset of fostering households.
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There’s your weekly digest of all the latest health and social care news; we hope you found it informative and valuable. If you’re looking for a social care or healthcare job, then you know where to come – click here to find out more!
