Care in crisis: what’s next for social care?

“Recent cuts to local authority budgets have had a huge impact on the care system, and we are now witnessing the devastating effect of this ever growing funding gap.”

Care in crisis: what’s next for social care?
Age UK
January 2014

Read more here.

Safe, compassionate care for frail older people using an integrated care pathway

"This document summarises the evidence of the effects of an integrated pathway of care for older people and suggests how a pathway can be commissioned effectively using levers and incentives across providers."

Safe, compassionate care for frail older people using an integrated care pathway: practical guidance for commissioners, providers and nursing, medical and allied health professional leaders
NHS England, South
February 2014

Read more here.

Read a summary from the Commissioning Elf here.

The state of health care and adult social care in England 2012/13

"In around 90% of cases, people were treated with dignity and respect and were receiving care, treatment and support that met their needs and was safe. But, despite improvements in each type of care setting, we are disappointed that in around 10% of cases people received poor quality care."

The state of health care and adult social care in England 2012/13
Care Quality Commission
November 2013

Read more here.

You can see a pictorial version of the report here.

Guidance on human rights for commissioners of home care

"This guide aims to help local authority elected members and staff who are involved in the commissioning and procurement of home care better understand their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998."

Guidance on human rights for commissioners of home care
Equality and Human Rights Commission
May 2013

Read more here.

The regulation and oversight of NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts

"This joint policy statement provides further detail on the changes to the regulation and oversight of NHS trusts and NHS foundations trusts proposed in the Government’s initial response to the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and related clauses in Part 2 of the Care Bill."

The regulation and oversight of NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts
Department of Health
May 2013

Read more here.

The Francis Public Inquiry Report: a response

"The Francis Report alludes to, but does not develop, some important underlying tensions in the current system that might need some further consideration."

The Francis Public Inquiry Report: a response
Nuffield Trust
March 2013

Read more here.

Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety

The GMC has published guidance on raising and acting on concerns about patient safety. The guidance sets out their "expectation that all doctors will, whatever their role, take appropriate action to raise and act on concerns about patient care, dignity and safety."

Access the guidance here.

Delivering dignity

"We have to work with older people to shape services around their needs, and listen to patients and residents and their families, carers and advocates, so we learn from their feedback and continually improve dignity in care."

Delivering dignity: securing dignity in care for older people in hospitals and care homes
NHS Confederation
June 2012

Read more here.

The care of frail older people with complex needs

"The summit recommends that excellence in the care of frail older people should be a priority for health and social care services, with the concept of human rights a standard point of reference."

The care of frail older people with complex needs: time for a revolution: The Sir Roger Bannister Health Summit
J Cornwell
The King's Fund
March 2012

Read more here.

Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety

"This guidance sets out our expectation that all doctors will, whatever their role, take appropriate action to raise and act on concerns about patient care, dignity and safety."


Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety
General Medical Council
January 2012

Read more here.