Jim Dobbin MP backs calls to reform the care system

Jim Dobbin MP backs Age Concern’s calls for the fundamental reform of long term care

Jim Dobbin MP is backing Age Concern’s calls for the fundamental reform of long term care.

The MP for Heywood and Middleton, Castleton, Norden and Bamford is supporting the charity’s campaign to tackle inequalities in the health and social care delivery. Currently, thousands of older people are being let down by the social care system, which is confusing, patchy and unfair. 

Increasingly rationed spending is leading to care being withdrawn from all but the most disabled and many who require intensive nursing care are being denied NHS funding or are forced to put up with low standards of care. 

Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Health spoke at Age Concern’s summer event, hosted by Eddie O’Hara MP at the House of Commons. The debate focused on the reform of the long-term care system. 

Recent Government moves on improving dignity for older people and introducing a national criteria for continuing care eligibility have improved the situation but many older people are still loosing out.  

Mr Dobbin said: “Improving the dignity of older people should be a national priority. We need to work together to ensure that older people get a fair and equitable deal from the health and social care system. Fundamental reform is the key to improving life for thousands who are missing out on the care they need.”

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern England’s Director General, spoke  at the event:  “We welcome Jim Dobbin’s backing for this campaign. The debate on long-term care funding needs to move forward apace. Older people’s dignity demands a system that is affordable, sustainable and transparent.”

Age Concern is part of a coalition of organisations entitled Caring Choices – including the King's Fund, Help the Aged and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.