Encouraging Engagement Between STPS And Adult Social Care Providers
The Care Provider Alliance (CPA), whose members represent the organisations which provide adult social care services in England, is calling for greater engagement between Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) and the independent and voluntary adult social care sector.
44 STPs are working across England to transform the health and care system. However, despite the size and vital importance of the independent and voluntary adult social care sector, the engagement of STPs with it is generally still at an early stage.
The CPA has written to STPs encouraging greater engagement, and making practical suggestions as to how this can be done.
The Alliance is calling on each STP to review its engagement with the independent and voluntary adult social care sector and, by March 2018, to share information on its website (or otherwise) about how it is taking engagement forward with the sector.
The CPA is also calling on the providers of adult social care services to take time to understand the role of STPs, and to be ready to engage positively and openly on behalf of the sector.
Alongside this call, the CPA has published a more detailed report summarising the results of its work in this area over recent months. This is part of a wider programme of work funded by the Department of Health and supported by NHS England. The CPA’s report suggests that, while some STPs are already positively engaged with the sector, in many areas any engagement is still at a very early stage.
Bridget Warr CBE, Chair of the Care Provider Alliance, said:
“The independent and voluntary adult social care sector supports over a million people, many of whom have multiple complex health conditions, and it employs more people than the NHS. Without high quality, sustainable adult social care services, the NHS would be completely overwhelmed.
“Through the sector’s engagement with STP’s, there is a huge opportunity to develop strategic alignment between these vital parts of the system, so that they work together in the best interests of patients and people supported by social care. We hope that these publications by the CPA will help all those involved to further this aim.”
Steve Brine MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Primary Care said:
“Transformation across health and care services can only be achieved through the collaboration of all partners in local systems. STP leaders and social care providers have a fantastic opportunity to work together for better health and care for their populations. I’m delighted to support this work by the Care Provider Alliance to encourage and enable joint working between social care providers and those leading Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships.”
