CAMPAIGNER Mike Padgham urged Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock to work with providers to tackle the ongoing crisis in social care when they met.
Mike, chair of The Independent Care Group met Stephen in Westminster for “constructive” talks and came away optimistic.
“I was encouraged that the minister listened and very clearly knew that social care is facing some very serious challenges and that something needs to be done,” he said.
“I believe there is an intent for improvement, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating and time will tell.”
The pair discussed improving care staff pay, reforming social care commissioning so that a fairer price is paid for care and reforming the Care Quality Commission so that duplication of inspection was avoided.
They also discussed how the Government should work with social care providers to tackle issues facing the sector.
“I said the Government needs to embrace the knowledge and expertise that is available in the sector, as we all understand that it cannot solve all the problems itself,” Mike added.
“I began by inviting the minister up to North Yorkshire to see first-hand some of the challenges that face care providers on a day-to-day basis.
“I also acknowledged that the social care sector has to get its own act together, not least by addressing the number of representative bodies we have and ensuring we speak with one, coherent and consistent voice.
“I also stressed to him how important it was that social care had a voice on the Integrated Care Boards so that providers and commissioners work together to deliver care.”