Andy Burnham’s concerns for the future of health and social care

The shadow health secretary raised his concerns for the future of health and social care at Health+Care 2013.

Andy Burnham addressed an audience of GPs, clinical commissioners and carers at yesterday’s conference, which was held at Excel London.

He told them it is vital for the NHS to integrate health and social care in order to meet the challenges of the future posed by the country’s ageing population. Mr Burnham wants to see physical, mental and social health issues combined and said he would work with current clinical commissioning groups (CCG) and health boards to achieve this.

Mr Burnham also told the conference he feels that the Government is cutting social care, which he termed a “false economy” because more pressure is put on the NHS. He said he is concerned about the effect this will have in the future and is worried the 21st Century will become known as “the century of the ageing population”.

Ralph Collett, conference director, said: “Mr Burnham made a fascinating speech. Integration has been mentioned countless times throughout the presentations by clinicians and social care leaders alike and I sense a real appetite to turn thoughts into actions.

“Health+Care is the only place that brings together all the thoughtleaders who are debating these issues and driving change.”

Health+Care 2013, organised by Closer2 Medical, is a new event which brings together health and social care commissioners and providers to develop how they are going to work together in the future.