Discussions between local health boards and social services are vital for community care

Llanelli Labour AM, Keith Davies, has emphasised that care in the community must be fit for purpose and meet high standards before any shift in care arrangements take place.

Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Davies said that for care in the community to be successfully delivered it was integral that discussions took place between Local Health Boards and Social Services. Talks must set out how to work together, and with primary care services such GP surgeries and pharmacies, to create care plans that best meet the differing health needs of patients.

The Llanelli AM asked the Health Minister what discussions had taken place and what the Ministers expectations were.

Keith Davies AM welcomed Welsh Government work to increase the number of patients who are cared for close to home and in the community. In a question to the Health Minister, Mr Davies emphasised that as well as facilitating widespread provision of care closer to the home, it must meet adequacy criteria.

Keith Davies AM said:

“I certainly know that where it is safe and practical to do so, the majority of patients would prefer to be treated in the community, in a setting as close to their home as is medically safe.”

“That is why it is vital that we ensure beforehand that provision is available, accessible and suitable for patients. Local Health Boards and Social Services departments, run by Local Authorities, are responsible for providing care, so it is important that they have held discussions on how to plan and provide this before a shift in care takes place.”

“This is something the Welsh Government is seeking to achieve, and I know that the Health Minister has already touched on this in his recent statement on unscheduled care. Given our increasingly elderly population and high rate of chronic diseases, this would reduce pressure in hospitals as well as being in line with patient’s wishes.”

The Health Minister, Mark Drakeford AM said:

“I entirely agree with Keith Davies that the discussions between local social services departments and local health services are fundamental to bringing about some of the changes that are necessary in our public health services.”

“Where these things work well, real progress is possible. There is good evidence in Carmarthenshire, with its reablement services… [it] has made a real difference to older people who, instead of going into residential care, have been reprovided with capacities that allow them to go home and to continue to live their lives in the way that they choose.”