Government Plans for Health and Social Care: What Can We Expect in 2017?
2016 was a year filled with historic events for the UK, headlined by the public’s decision to leave the European Union and the introduction of a new Prime Minister. In an effort to reduce the deficit, the government has been cutting spending in many sectors, including Health and Social Care. The Vote Leave campaign suggested we could spend an extra £350 million on the NHS if we left the European Union. Negotiations are still ongoing but it looks unlikely that the NHS will see this £350 million anytime soon.
This year, the UK is set to face yet more challenges, particularly in Health and Social Care. The importance of staff having the correct training and knowledge of safeguarding adults, health and safety, child protection and so much more is crucial. Let’s take a look at these challenges and what we can do to overcome them in 2017.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for Health and Social Care?
MPs are currently urging Theresa May to act, as ”immense challenges” lie ahead for Health and Social Care. The PM’s goal was to look at long-term solutions to the problems that have plagued the industry for decades. Treating an ever-increasing population quickly and effectively is a huge talking point, while mental health issues are at the forefront of many debates and discussions.
However, this is not what we’ve been seeing. Instead, we’ve seen Health and Social Care’s funding cut and local councils urged to increase council tax to pay for services. Currently, one in four elderly people go without care or rely on their own funds to support their care needs — and this problem isn’t set to disappear anytime soon.
Another real concern is what will happen when the government triggers Article 50. The decision and subsequent confusion over leaving the European Union has left people on edge as to what the effects will be. The Health and Social Care sector is currently facing recruitment issues, which could be further worsened by leaving the EU. In the NHS, 55,000 staff members are from the EU and uncertain on their freedom of movement when Article 50 is triggered.
Both of these issues need to be addressed as we face times of uncertainty. Are jobs secure and will funding increase at all?
What Can We Do to Help?
Although challenges lie ahead, there are ways in which everyone can help those in care and make a positive difference.
Keep on Top of the News: Learning about what is happening in Health and Social Care means you can start to understand and help. Listen to the news or read online to stay up to date.
Write to Local Politicians: Your elected MP has a seat in the House of Commons to express your point of view. If you feel passionate about change and making a difference, contact your local MP.
Sign Petitions: If you want to challenge the government’s decisions and cuts, there are national petitions to sign. Petitions really can have an impact: if they reach 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Work in the Health and Social Care Sector:
Child protection training, safeguarding adults, health and safety and prevent duty; all of these courses are available with EduCare. If you’re concerned about the health of those who need it, working in the Health and Social Care sector can make a huge difference to people's lives.
EduCare is invested in making sure that those in need of care get what they require, which is why we’ve launched our new EduCare for Health and Social Care course, which maps to the Care Certificate. Despite the challenges we face this year, our aim is to ensure that staff are fully capable of giving the best quality of service in Health and Social Care.
Do you work in Health and Social Care? Keep up to date with the skills and legislation with an e-learning course from
