Where someone lives in Wales shouldn’t decide the standard of care they get. A newly published Welsh Government plan sets out how ministers intend to make that a reality.
The National Care Service Programme is billed as the next stage in Wales’ own route to reforming social care. Its aim is a system that is more consistent, more sustainable and built around the people who rely on it.
The plan links back to a pledge in the Programme for Government to make sure high-quality care and support, joined up across services, is available in every part of the country.
Six foundations
The programme rests on six areas:
- Clear national leadership and accountability
- Fair funding and reliable care
- Supporting care workers to build lasting, valued careers
- Better data and digital services
- Early intervention and strong safeguarding
- Seamless social care and support
Who will help shape it
The work won’t be done behind closed doors. People who receive care and support will play a part, as will unpaid carers and those working in social care. Councils, care providers and other partners will also be involved, and their first-hand experience will feed into how services are run in future.
A hidden service
Deputy Minister for Social Care Delyth Jewell said:
“Social care helps children and families through difficult times, enables disabled people to live independently, supports older people to remain in their own homes and communities, and helps unpaid carers continue their vital role.
“The contribution of carers, both paid and unpaid, shapes the lives of millions of people around us. Too often social care is seen as a hidden service. I’m determined that will change.
What comes next
The programme is due to run through the current Senedd term, as part of a longer-term vision for a National Care Service. Ms Jewell said it was a response to rising demand for care:
“The National Care Service Programme will develop a more consistent, sustainable and joined-up system of support in the social care sector, ensuring more people can receive timely care in the right place and at the right time. It shows how Wales is leading the way in turning ambition into action on social care reform.
“As demand for care continues to grow, we need lasting change that strengthens services, supports the workforce and improves care for people. This programme sets out how we’ll work together to achieve that during this Senedd term, within our longer-term vision of a National Care Service for Wales.”
