Rowntree report adds to argument for free long term care - Gidley

Commenting on the publication of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report, Paying for Long Term Care, which is critical of the current system of funding and calls for a review, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister, Sandra Gidley MP, said:

"This adds to the growing weight of criticism faced by the Government. Sir Derek Wanless, the Healthcare Commission, the Audit Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection issued damning verdicts only last month on the Government's record on care for older people.

"The Government must remove the artificial distinction between a means-tested social care system operating alongside an NHS that is free at the point of need. Otherwise the care of the frail and elderly will continue to suffer.

"As a society, we have to decide whether we want to invest in improving services for older people. As our population ages, it would be a wise long-term investment to take a close look at the Scottish example."