Health and social care
Residential care capital limit increases in Wales
The Welsh Government has advised that people in residential care in Wales, will see their capital limit increase from £30,000 to £40,000, meaning that they will be able to retain a further £10,000 of their capital (or savings) before having to pay care home costs. More …
The NHS 70 Years Young - all change and no change
The standout observation for me as the NHS reaches 70 is just how much but how little has changed over that time. Everyone agrees it remains a uniquely popular cherished "National Treasure" in the best sense. It is today more politically and publicly unassailable than ever before. More …
"No homes for nurses", bridging the gap between social housing and the NHS
Driven by austerity, there are changes afoot in the NHS that present significant opportunities for housing associations to work more closely with the NHS in England. More …
Can I protect my home from care home fees?
The recent Channel 4 Dispatches programme "How to avoid the Dementia Tax" explored the "political hot potato" that is the provision of social care. An increasing number of elderly people are being forced to sell their homes to pay for care fees. With the number of 85 year olds set to double by 2030, this is a situation that is only going to get more critical. More …
All 44 STPs published – but what do we know?
I am surprised that health commentators are surprised at the lack of detail in the STP proposals that have been published this week, what did we really expect? More …
STPs: More engagement, less speed - the inconvenient truth(s)
The recent stories of STP plans being leaked by disgruntled local authorities almost makes me feel sorry for the impossible task facing the band of reluctant STP leaders. More …
The NHS Planning Guidance: play nicely - and do it quick
No one can say they have not been told now. The NHS Planning Guidance published yesterday makes a number of things very clear. More …
The challenges for STPs
Our Chairman Bruce Potter discusses Nuffield Trust's paper on 'Sustainability and Transformation Plans: What we know so far.' and how the common themes are starting to emerge. More …
Slow August news: why Sustainability and Transformation Plan proposals are a public matter
Everyone expects some slow news days in August, especially after the wild excesses of the Brexit pantomime, and then the heady patriotic delight of the Olympics, but the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) proposals as national headline news - are you serious? More …
Talking healthcare - an effective national debate
This week, I read the Nuffield Trust's report 'Feeling the Crunch'; another report highlighting the continuing crisis in NHS finance. Last week a report indicated (not for the first time) that the NHS is the most efficient health system in Europe. More …