A National Care Service - Green Paper
Radical plans for a new National Care Service that is fairer, simpler and more affordable for everyone are set out in this Green Paper - join the big care debate and help shape the future of care in this country.
Chief executives and directors are urged to encourage staff to get involved in the Big Care Debate, launched by the new Green paper, and help create a new National Care Service.
Shaping the Future of Care Together (.pdf format, 1.4 MB) sets out a vision for a new care and support system. This Green Paper highlights the challenges faced by the current system and the need for radical reform to develop a National Care Service that is fair, simple and affordable for everyone.
What the new National Care Service should offer
It identifies six things that the new National Care Service should offer everyone:
- Prevention services - the right support to stay independent and well for as long as possible and to delay care needs getting worse.
- National assessment - care needs will be assessed and paid for in the same way across the country
- Joined-up services - all the services will work together smoothly.
- Information and advice - the care system will be easy to understand and navigate.
- Personalised care and support - services will be based on personal circumstances and need.
- Fair funding - money will be spent wisely and everyone will get some help meeting the high cost of care needs.
Proposals
There are three proposals for funding a National Care Service:
- Partnership - The Government provides between a quarter and a third of the cost of care, more for people on a low income.
- Insurance - As well as providing between a third and a quarter of care costs, the Government would make it easier for people to take out insurance to cover care costs.
- Comprehensive - everyone who can pays into a state insurance scheme. Everyone who needs care will receive it free at the point of need.
Have your say
Have your say between now and 13 November. You and your staff can contribute in the following ways:
- Through the website www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk and Facebook site.
- Via leaflets with specific consultation questions, which will be distributed via GP surgeries, pharmacies and other outlets. These can be sent back to the Department freepost.
- Through a series of Department of Health events which will be held throughout the summer. For dates, locations and registration details see www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk
- By holding you own consultation events. A toolkit to help set up an event will be available at www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk
Deadline for responding: 13 November 2009
Related links
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Contact details
Oxfordshire Partnership
County Hall
New Road
OX1 1ND
Tel: 01865 323967
Fax: 01865 783363
Email: Oxfordshire Partnership
