ADASS statement on MPs’ report on making joined-up health and care services work

In response to a new report today into new partnerships aimed at delivering joined-up health and care services, ADASS President Helen McClinton highlights the great potential of Integrated Care Systems, but warns the Government must invest in the social care system to allow them to function effectively.

The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee published a report today into new partnerships aimed at delivering joined-up health and care services. The report calls for the Government and NHS England to address key concerns if these partnerships are to genuinely improve health and care services for people throughout England.

The inquiry, which focused on autonomy and accountability, found genuine enthusiasm for the potential of the new local partnerships, called Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), to deliver on challenges facing the health and care sectors. However, MPs warn of a serious lack of clarity in some areas with risks that acute short-term pressures could be given priority over longer term ambitions such as preventing ill-health.

Sarah McClinton, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said:

“The Committee’s report hits the nail on the head. Integrated Care Systems have the potential to create the sort of health and care system we need, where we prevent ill health by providing high quality, timely care and support when people need it in their homes and their community. And where decisions about care are made by the people accessing it and the frontline staff supporting them as much as possible.

“But these reforms could easily be derailed. MPs are right to challenge the NHS and the Government to focus targets on outcomes and not try to dictate from the top-down what activities should be prioritised. Integrated Care Systems should be about genuinely sharing power, shifting decision making closer to people and ensuring they are not just about NHS services, but have social care, public health services and the voluntary sector at the heart of decision-making and delivery.

“Critically, the Government needs to ensure that Integrated Care Systems are not just left to deal with the immediate crisis in health and social care. If they are genuinely going to build a health system that acts for the long-term, investing in way to prevent ill-health and improve well-being in their communities, they will need the resources to do that. And they will need the Government to intervene to solve the current crisis. That includes a long-term, fully funded plan to reform adult social care, so we can address the staffing crisis and have sustainable funding that will meet the needs of all older and disabled people and their carers in future.

“We look forward to the publication of the forthcoming Hewitt Review the Government has commissioned on making Integrated Care Systems achieve their potential. We hope it contains a similarly robust set of actions to ensure that Integrated Care Systems help build the health and care system we all need.”