Directors of the Isle of Wight Care Partnership held a summit with our Local MPs to discuss the critical challenges faced by adult social care providers on the Isle of Wight.
The meeting, attended by Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, and a representative of Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, focused on the pressing issues impacting the care sector, particularly funding constraints and workforce shortages.
Need for increased and sustained funding
The discussion highlighted the need for increased and sustained funding to meet the rising costs of care provision, which include wage increases as well as the potential implications of the upcoming Budget.
The Care Partnership underscored the importance of support for local care providers, emphasising the unique difficulties faced by the island in delivering quality care services.
Discussions also covered the significant increases in insurance costs since Covid-19, with premiums doubling due to limited competition.
Workforce issues
Workforce issues were also highlighted, including the need to inspire new talent, improve overseas recruitment (especially addressing challenges related to dependents), and align social care wages and esteem with the NHS.
The Care Partnership further addressed the need for a rebranding of social care to attract more workers, nurse recruitment strategies, including bursaries, and ensuring better funding integration to support the sector. Additionally, competitive tendering and procurement practices were discussed, noting that they often lead to a focus on the lowest cost rather than best value for care services.
Commitment from all parties
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all parties to prioritise these issues and work towards a sustainable solution for the care sector.
Follow-up actions will be discussed in a future meeting, with an emphasis on ensuring that care providers receive the necessary support to continue delivering high-quality services to residents.
Quigley: We need to take care seriously
Richard Quigley MP said,
“We all want the best care for our loved ones and care workers in homes up and down the country do their very best to give the highest level of support and dignity.
“However, the system has been broken over the last decade and we need to properly value what care homes do and how much it costs.
“From worker recruitment and inspiring the next generation of carers, to avoiding a race to the bottom. We need to take care seriously.”
Robertson: Care workers should be better paid
Joe Robertson MP said,
“Dealing with the funding pressures in social care is critical.
“Fairer funding and support for the care sector will relieve pressure on hospitals by reducing avoidable admissions.
“That’s why I chose to speak about it in my maiden speech in Parliament.
“Care workers should be better paid and I will be spending my time in Parliament making the argument for social care reform.”
Bennett: We need immediate and fair funding support
Ian Bennett, Residential Care Director of the IOW Care Partnerships said,
“The challenges we face as care providers are immense. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and the increasing complexity of the care we provide are creating a perfect storm.
“We need immediate and fair funding support, along with a collaborative approach to bring social care to parity with the NHS.
“The commitment from our MPs today is a step in the right direction, but we must continue pushing for sustainable solutions that truly reflect the value of care services on the Isle of Wight.”
News shared by Ian on behalf of IOW Care Partnerships. Ed
