UNISON comments on the NHS ‘rent a room’ scheme

Commenting on the news that the NHS was to trial a new scheme to get patients out of hospitals and into private homes, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “This scheme looks like another dangerous experiment which will do nothing to tackle the underlying problems in the health and social care system.

“While it is important for the NHS to ensure there are enough beds available, this shouldn’t mean pushing patients out of hospitals and into private homes. This could raise all sorts of issues around privacy, safeguarding and security.

“There is a clear need for a well resourced social care system that can provide the trained staff and resources to support people to live independently in the community upon release from hospital.”

Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Siobhan Cooley T:0207 1215555 M: 079038 70786 E: s.cooley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk