10.05.13
‘Compassionate care’ to be underpinned by legislation
The new Care Bill, published today in Parliament, sets out laws to ensure patients are treated more compassionately in hospitals and care homes.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the Bill, which will introduce Ofsted-style ratings for providers, strengthen training for staff and ensure every patient with a personal care plan can access a personal budget.
A £75,000 cap on care costs will be implemented, following recommendations in the Dilnot review.
If a patient moves to a different local authority area, their care will not be interrupted, and individuals will be involved in the assessment of their care and support needs. Each person’s capabilities and available support, through family or friends, will also be considered.
Hunt said: “We have swiftly brought in measures to address the findings of Robert Francis’ report that will improve care and mean that patients will be treated with more compassion and respect. I strongly believe that Ofsted-style ratings, improved training for staff and making quality as important as finance will improve NHS care.
“These changes go hand in hand with our epic changes to care legislation that will mean, for the first time, people will not have to fear losing their homes in their lifetime to pay care home fees and everyone with a care plan will be able to have a personal budget to choose how they are cared for.
“Importantly, if someone receives care in the south but wants to move to the north to be closer to their family, they will be able to do so without fear of losing their care.”
Care minister Norman Lamb said: “For the first time in a generation we are addressing the pressing need to support people when they reach crisis point and need help most. People will finally be able to plan for their later years and not have to fear being saddled with catastrophic costs to pay for care.
“This, coupled with the new national eligibility criteria, security that our care is not lost if we move to a different part of the country and giving everyone who is eligible access to a personal budget, will greatly improve the outlook for later life.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]