Government considering National Care Service in White Paper proposals, report

The government is considering introducing a National Care Service as part of plans to merge health and social care services, according to a report.

The Guardian story quoting senior Conservative and Whitehall sources said the radical plans were being considered as part of a White Paper next month.

The proposals include local authorities and the NHS taking joint responsibility for social care, including working from a single combined budget.

Additionally, the proposals could lay out national standards for care.

The Scottish Government is currently holding a consultation on proposals for its own National Care Service, which is due to end next month.

Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England, told CHP: “Commissioning for outcomes is what needs to be tackled in any discussion around integration.

“A person in receipt of health and social care should move seamlessly between the two systems experiencing the best quality care.

“As the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, Care England, wants to work with Government to explore all avenues that have the best outcomes.”