FUNDING-PRESSURE sores have been causing social services departments increasing levels of pain for some months, says Public Finance (Jan 13).
Part of the problem is that cash-strapped primary care providers, under pressure to make savings, are redefining healthcare needs so that people with long-term conditions and currently cared for by the PCT become the responsibility of the local authority. But the authorities’ extra responsibility comes without extra cash. Dr Ray Jones, the director of adult and community services at Wiltshire County Council, says: “As vacancies are held to make savings in community health services, home carers are undertaking tasks such as changing dressings, treating pressure sores [and] stoma and catheter care.”
Last week the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, acknowledged that cuts in primary care budgets were creating a “real problem” for social services, but says that it is being looked at in the joint health and social care White Paper.