As the Welsh Government prepares for another challenging winter in the NHS, working closely with partners, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) is calling for increased, urgent investment and parity across the entire health and social care system.
The intrinsic link between social care and the NHS means that winter preparedness cannot be considered by any organisation in isolation and a sustainable NHS depends on a sustainable social care system. However, delayed hospital discharges and rising complexity of need are clear indicators of the strain the whole system is under.
Councils are already spending beyond the funding provided for social care to provide much needed care and support services and without additional resources, delays in the care system and the knock-on effect on health services will only worsen, with vulnerable individuals left waiting for essential care and support.
Councils are increasingly concerned about the mounting pressures faced by social care services, which are already straining under workforce shortages, increasing demand, and inflationary pressures. Without immediate and sustained investment, the ability to deliver timely care and support to those who need it most will be severely compromised.
Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, Health and Social Services Spokesperson said:
"Social care is vital to keeping our health service running smoothly, especially during the winter when demand is at its peak. We can’t keep relying on quick fixes; we need to ensure the right levels of investment are available to ensure we have a properly joined-up system that prevents hospital admissions, helps people stay independent, and makes sure they can leave hospital when they're ready, with the appropriate care and support in the community.
“Councils are doing everything they can, but the challenges are significant. Without extra funding, the system will keep buckling under the pressure, which will hit both those needing care and the staff providing it.
"Putting more focus on prevention and early support is key to easing the load. If we can help people in the community before things get worse, it will save a lot of strain on both social care and the NHS. That’s why we’re calling on the Welsh Government to make long-term funding for social care a priority, so we can make sure the whole health and care system keeps working for our communities."