More than 50 NHS leaders in Wales claim social care is in a state of "national emergency" and have called on the Welsh Government to provide a long-term pay and funding strategy for the sector. A new survey by the NHS Confederation, a national membership body representing all organisations that make up the NHS in Wales, found that 100% of health service bosses agreed there is a crisis in the social care workforce.
Social care services play a crucial role in caring for people at home, keeping people well for longer outside of hospital and enabling faster, safer discharges home. The sector also plays a critical part in protecting NHS capacity and its ability to deliver high-quality, safe care.
However, the NHS Confederation and its members claim social care services are facing significant challenges, including vulnerabilities in funding and market stability, growing unmet need and high levels of staff vacancies. The impact of these challenges means people are missing out on vital care and support, leaving them less independent and more likely to rely on healthcare services.
