The National Health Service is currently facing a health and social care crisis, the main cause being that life expectancy is longer than ever before. As a result, there are now more people living with disabilities or illnesses which require care, and the current system is struggling to cope with the increased demand.

Although the issue has attracted significant political attention, and there have been some measures taken by the government to address the problem, it is nowhere near sufficient, especially in the long-term. Indeed, despite recent proclamations about the end of austerity, there are few signs that local authorities will receive anything like the funding boost the IFS says is needed to increase social care budgets sufficiently over the next decade. NHS England is involved in the ongoing debates about healthcare integration and restructuring in the UK, with proposals for devolving its budget to local governments as a solution for improving service delivery and accountability.

So, with no solution to the problem in sight, is it time to restructure our care system? We’ve examined the case for the social enterprise model and ponder whether socially conscious, for-profit businesses might be able to contend with the challenges more effectively, in order to deliver better care for care services users.

The Need for Integrated Care Systems

Integrated care systems (ICSs) play a big role in making healthcare more joined-up and effective. They bring together GP practices, hospitals, mental health services, social care, pharmacies and even voluntary groups to work as a team. This integrated approach helps improve patient care, tackle health inequalities, and make the whole system run more smoothly. But setting up ICSs isn’t always easy. It takes time, new skills and extra support to make sure everything works as it should.

Restructuring the Healthcare Workforce

A big part of making integrated care work is reshaping the healthcare workforce. This means creating new roles, like care coordinators and navigators, to help patients find their way through the often confusing health system. It’s also about giving existing healthcare professionals the chance to learn new skills so they can work in more flexible and innovative ways. Building up the skills and knowledge of the workforce is key to making sure patients get the best care possible. By investing in people, we can create a stronger, more adaptable healthcare system that’s ready for whatever the future holds.

The Role of Local Government in Healthcare

Local government has a key role in healthcare, offering support and resources to both healthcare workers and the people who rely on them. From adult and children’s care services to public health initiatives, local councils help keep communities healthy. They’re also key players in building integrated care systems, working closely with healthcare professionals and service users to make care more seamless. They also support healthcare staff by providing training and development opportunities, helping them to tackle the big challenges facing the system and deliver the best care possible.

Benefits of Social Enterprises in the Care Sector

Within the care sector, a lack of funding has meant that local authorities are increasingly turning to private companies for help. However, in many cases, this creates a conflict, with the private companies looking to maximise profits, and the local authorities wanting to maximise the quality of care.

Putting People Before Profits

This is an area where social enterprises can help, as the same clash does not exist with companies that are designed to continuously improve levels of care through reinvestment of profits into the business itself.

Providing Early Intervention Support

For the elderly and vulnerable, one of the biggest areas where social enterprises can offer assistance is through early intervention. As the National Audit Office points out, there is currently a lack of investment in prevention and early intervention techniques. However, intervening and providing care early can be especially helpful with illnesses like dementia, allowing service users to maintain personal independence for much longer.

Meanwhile, according to the Big Issue, there has been a 12 percent reduction in eligibility for council support since 2010/11. The result of this is that some elderly and vulnerable people, who could benefit from care at home, are no longer eligible for support from their local authority until their personal circumstances deteriorate further.

Easing Pressure on Hospitals and Care Homes

This has led to a ‘kicking the can down the road’ scenario, where problems are dealt with later, in order to minimise short-term expenditure. In some instances, it means elderly people who may have been able to stay living at home, when supported through earlier intervention, are instead left until they require a place in a care home.

While social enterprises can help, there is a reluctance to undertake the full-scale reform of the care system that is required to cope with the crisis of an ageing population and a lack of funding.

“Social enterprises are often involved in some of the most pioneering and transforming work helping reduce the pressure on acute services,” says Nick Temple, writing for The Guardian. “They have also helped deliver on the promise of integration, as with integrated mental health services. This needs to be the message sent out by social enterprises and charities: we are doing a huge amount already, and creating a great deal of social value.”

The Final Word

An ageing population and budgeting issues have placed an enormous strain on the NHS, leading to a health and social care crisis. As a result, serious consideration needs to be given to restructuring the care system, so that it is fit for purpose, and in particular, the social enterprise model has demonstrated great promise.

You can find out more on our website about the care services, training services and employment opportunities offered by Abbots Care. Alternatively call us on: 01727 891004.