Lack of funding is a huge issue standing in the way of delivering high quality care for older people, said UNISON, the UK’s largest union, in response to a report released by NHS chiefs today (29 Feb).
The union is calling for a step change to boost standards through the development of a National Care System. It is warning that unless the government takes action, drastic funding cuts will mean that things only get worse for older people in the UK.
Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:
“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect – regardless of their age. And the overwhelming majority of NHS, home care and care home staff work hard day in day out to do the best for the people in their care.
“At the heart of the crisis in elderly care is the chronic lack of funding. Local government budgets are being slashed, and all over the country councils are selling off time slots of care to the lowest bidder. In hospitals, elderly care all too often loses out to more high profile areas such as neo-natal care or transplants.
“UNISON is calling on the government to give its backing to a National Care System, funded through general taxation. Unless the government takes real action, things will only get worse for elderly people in the UK.”
ENDS