Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Care Setting Transfers: Waiting Lists

Tuesday 19 July 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Between March 2020 and March 2022, 3.3 billion was allocated to support discharge efforts during the covid-19 pandemic.
  • Section 75 of the National Health Service Act allows for pooled funding between health and social care.
  • A 10-year vision for investment in adult social care was published in December, following a 5.4 billion commitment over three years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Stepney
NHS Social Care
Context

The question follows reports of hospital delays due to a lack of social care capacity, impacting patients' discharges.

Question

I am concerned about the steps taken to reduce waiting lists for people transferring to a care setting. Miriam Deakin from NHS Providers highlighted huge pressure on beds and a 57% overstay rate at hospitals like the Royal London in my constituency due to social care capacity issues, causing delays. The Government needs to step up and support local authorities with resources.

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Between March 2020 and March 2022, we allocated £3.3 billion to support discharge efforts, recognising the pressures faced during covid-19. Section 75 of the National Health Service Act allows for pooled funding across health and social care through initiatives like the better care fund to aid discharges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about addressing long-standing issues with necessary resources

How: Under Review

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Q2 Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Stepney
NHS Social Care
Context

The question arises from criticism of the government's response to discharge delays caused by social care capacity issues.

Question

I thank the Minister for her answer, but Miriam Deakin from NHS Providers said there is huge pressure on beds and a lack of social care capacity means patients cannot be discharged as soon as they could. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine estimated that 57% meet discharge criteria but remain in hospitals. This puts huge pressure on hospitals like the Royal London in my constituency, which needs support from the Government to get local authorities the resources needed for discharges.

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Between March 2020 and March 2022, we allocated £3.3 billion to support discharge efforts, recognising the pressures during covid-19. Section 75 of the National Health Service Act allows for pooled funding across health and social care through initiatives like the better care fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about addressing long-standing issues with necessary resources

How: Under Review

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Q3 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
NHS Social Care
Context

The question follows the Secretary of State's comments on ambulance delays with little mention of social care.

Question

I do appreciate that it has only been two weeks, but the Secretary of State will be familiar with the use of root cause analysis to solve problems; however, yesterday he spoke for almost eight minutes on ambulance delays with scant reference to social care. Had he been badly briefed?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

The Secretary of State did mention social care, and recently on 1 July, we established integrated care systems focused on local authorities working with health services to improve patient outcomes. We recognise these systems must work together around the patient.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about whether briefing was inadequate

How: Focus On Overall System

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Q4 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
Social Care
Context

The question arises from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services warning about closed care providers and a looming workforce crisis.

Question

We understand what the proposals are, but earlier the Secretary of State welcomed solutions. Today we heard that seven in 10 directors say care providers have closed, handed back contracts or ceased trading due to an imminent workforce crisis. Will the Minister ensure the Secretary of State heeds these warnings and responds adequately?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We are implementing a comprehensive adult social care reform programme, with an additional £5.4 billion over three years committed in September 2021 and a 10-year vision for investment published in December.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about adequate response to workforce crisis

How: Under Review

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