Commission notes changes in social care

30 March 2011

A Care Quality Commission report published 29 March has found improvements but also unacceptable levels of variation in provision of adult social care in England.

The document, A state of health care and adult social care in England, says:

“While more of those who were receiving funded care had access to personalised services through direct payments and personal budgets, there were wide variations in progress. And because the number of people who were eligible for funding fell, fewer had the option of being in control of their care in this way.”

It also points out: “The next few years will be a crucial time for health care and social care in England. Important system changes are being introduced, along with new structures in health and local government including HealthWatch; GP-led commissioning consortia; the NHS Commissioning Board; Health and Well Being boards; and Monitor, the new economic regulator.”