In May, the Caring Communities Commission published its report on health and social care in Essex.
The report found unsustainable pressures across the system and set out 23 radical actions for change. They cover:
- a system-wide shift to preventing cases rather than just reacting to them
- empowering local communities where most of the heavy lifting is done
- and using mayoral powers through the opportunity of devolution in Greater Essex.
What was found in Essex mirrors the national picture, with a health and social care crisis across the UK. Now, commissioners have met with MPs and care industry leaders at parliament.
They shared how their findings in Essex apply to the rest of the country and a vision for change.
It comes as the government publishes its 10-year plan for the NHS. This seeks to shift focus from hospitals to communities and sickness to prevention. The government also wants to create a national care service, following the Casey Commission.
MPs were able to learn from Essex commissioners as pioneers for change in health and social care.
Councillor Beverley Egan, Chair of the Caring Communities Commission, said: “The national picture mirrors what we see here in Essex. We have engaged with frontline workers, service users, local organisations and industry bodies to understand the pressures faced and opportunities for change.
“It is strikingly clear that preventing health and social care cases, rather than just reacting to them, would streamline services for millions of people. Local communities are where most of the heavy lifting is done, which is why our Connected Places partnership with the Royal Society of Arts is so important to fostering connections between people.
“I am delighted we have been able to share our findings with MPs and care industry leaders to help inform the national picture. The commission looks forward to implementing its 23 actions over the coming months and continuing this dialogue.”
The Rt Hon Edward Argar MP said: “What we’re all trying to do here, irrespective of party politics, is build a way forward that genuinely serves all of our communities.
“The big challenge is both delivering and implementing a plan. Many in this room are delivering every day and seeing the challenges on the ground. What we’ve seen today and with the Essex Caring Communities Commission report is, I think, a huge contribution.
“I expect the government will consider very carefully what you’ve written and what you’ve put in this report. It’s calling for transformative action, advocating a community-led and preventative approach at the local level, underpinned by data. It is practical in its recommendations.
“I very much hope the government, and indeed other local authorities, will look to the work you’ve done as a way to empower communities.”
Sir Bernard Jenkin MP added: “As I read through this document, I find a report quite unlike anything else I’ve read.
“It’s a really visionary document about the culture of how we approach all these things. That’s people in the public service, people who work around them and other parts of local government.
“This is an invitation for each and every one of us to think differently and more positively. I really do commend this document and congratulate the Essex Caring Communities Commission for producing it.
“My heart is in my mouth with excitement to see how this is going to turn out. Each and every one of my Essex colleagues will be wanting to participate in this to help make it happen.”