Those looking to access social care and benefit from care home residency or home visits and support should be aware of the Health and Social Care Bill. This act of Parliament – and the subsequent revisions and amends – was introduced in order to lay out the guidelines and regulations associated with accessing care from local authorities, establishing the responsibilities and level of autonomy for caregivers, and reforming existing competition rules.
At Avante Care & Support, we are careful to ensure we fully adhere to the terms of the Health and Social Care Bill, regularly conducting internal reviews and working alongside both the local authorities and Care Quality Commission to ensure we’re upholding the necessary standards.
What does it say?
The passing of the latest Health and Social Care Bill 2022 introduced a number of proposals for health reforms throughout England. Among the key proposals was the establishment of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) as statutory bodies, making them formal commissioners of local NHS services. As a result of this formalisation, the ICSs will be afforded added autonomy – alongside accountability – to govern NHS finances at a local level.
Combined with the repealing of Section 75 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the automatic tendering of NHS services will cease. And, with a replacement Provider Selection Regime, local bodies are able to access a great range of options when commissioning services. Overall, the aim of the new Health and Social Care Bill is to help ICSs and local health organisations work towards providing better care for patients, better health and wellbeing for everyone, and sustainable use of NHS resources.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly to some, the Act introduces a new £86,000 cap on the level of spending any one individual will have to pay through personal contributions on care over their lifetime. Such a significant amendment could prove invaluable for those that may not qualify as part of the local authority means testing.
What does it all mean?
Detailing the minutiae of the Health and Social Care Bill would take time and substantial investigation. But, for health care providers such as Avante Care & Support, we work tirelessly to ensure we work within the framework provided, putting the health of our residents and those living with dementia as the number one priority.
As you might expect, there has been plenty of commentary, criticism and support from medical professionals, healthcare providers and more, with the British Medical Association among those that lobbied for increased government accountability and ruling out private providers wielding influence over commissioning bodies – amendments that were not met within the Bill.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about the Health and Social Care Bill and how it pertains to our work here at Avante Care & Support, we request that you liaise with a member of our team today. We’ll be happy to address any queries you may have and help provide added advice and reassurance where necessary.
