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It’s interesting, isn’t it?

Two important government documents land on our desks. One gets a lot of attention, and the other not to much. Yet both matter hugely for social care.

We’ve all heard a lot about the 10 Year Health Plan, so we’re not going to repeat it here. You can read our thoughts about it.

Social care needs a national focus

Far less from the sector, has been said about the Review of patient safety across the health and care landscape, especially its sections on social care, which deserve more attention.

Dr Penny Dash’s review highlights that adult social care lacks a national strategy for quality. It also points to a lack of data on care outcomes and no agreed set of metrics to define or measure what good looks like.

At present, responsibility for quality rests largely with organisations such as SCIE and the CQC. What is needed is a clear, national strategy that sets standards, supports shared learning, and helps providers improve care in a consistent way.

Quality in social care should never be an afterthought. It should be the foundation of a system that truly puts people first.

The role of technology and data

Technology and data have an essential role to play in this transformation. The review calls for improved use of data and the adoption of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to raise standards of safety and care.

When care providers are equipped with the right technology, they can deliver more personalised care and free up professionals to focus on what matters most: helping people live well, with dignity and independence. That is the essence of what we do, and will continue to do, at QCS.

Turning words into action

Nikki Walker, CEO of QCS, an RLDatix company, says:

‘We welcome the attention these reports bring to social care, but now we need to turn words into action. At QCS, we are ready to help shape a future where social care quality is at the heart of health and care transformation.

‘We will continue to stand alongside providers, helping them not just to meet expectations but to lead the way in defining what great care looks like for the people they care for and support.’

If you would like to explore how we can help you meet the aims of both plans, please get in touch.