🎙️ David Smallacombe responds to Covid Inquiry findings on BBC Radio Bristol
Our CEO, David Smallacombe, joined John Darvall on BBC Radio Bristol today (21 October) to discuss the findings of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and its report into the impact of the pandemic on adult social care.
The Inquiry has concluded that adult social care was treated as something of an “afterthought” during the pandemic, with decisions made to protect NHS capacity having devastating consequences for people receiving care, their families and the workforce supporting them.
During the interview, David reflected on what providers experienced at the time, including the discharge of people from hospital into care settings, the enormous pressure placed on care providers and staff, and the lack of recognition and support afforded to social care compared with the NHS.
The findings are painful, but important. They reinforce something the sector has argued for many years: health and social care cannot be treated as separate systems. A resilient NHS depends on a properly funded, valued and sustainable social care sector alongside it.
Crucially, the lessons from the pandemic must now translate into action. Social care providers, their workforce and the people they support need to be properly represented in future planning and decision-making – locally and nationally.
Thank you to BBC Radio Bristol and John Darvall for giving the sector the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation.
🎧 Listen to David’s interview below.