A ‘national care service’: Burnham’s plans to reform adult social care in England

Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire

By Daniel Pye

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants adult social care in England to be free to everyone in a similar model to the NHS.

It is well established that patient flow through hospitals is hampered by patients who are ready to be discharged but unable to go home because social care services cannot accommodate their needs.

But despite numerous attempts to reform the system going back to the beginning of the NHS – a “patchwork” of services has emerged.

So how does the current system operate? What exactly is Burnham proposing? And how would his plan be funded?

How the current model works:

Currently, if a service user has less than £23,250 in savings their care will be paid for partly or in full by the council. This figure does not include the value of their home, unless they are moving into a care home.

Some services are already available for free and provided by the NHS. This is up to six weeks of help after coming home from hospital and continuing healthcare for long-term complex health needs.