PCTs failing to invest in services which could save NHS billions, report finds

12/12/2011

 WRVS, the UK’s largest charity delivering preventative care for older people, has released a new report by two senior GPs specialising in the care of older people, showing that the majority of PCTs in England are being slow to address the Government’s priority to support older people to live independently at home.

 

Most are doing little to invest in services which tackle extreme loneliness and potentially save the NHS up to £2 billion a year in hospital admissions and delayed discharges from hospital.


The main findings in the report show that:

  • 50% of PCTs are intending to invest in telecare or telemedicine services
  • The minority are investing in services such as social clubs or community transport which tackle extreme loneliness by encouraging older people to stay involved with neighbours, family and the local community
  • A minority are investing in services to tackle the issues affecting some older people such as dementia awareness training or falls prevention awareness
  • A third have made no progress towards joint commissioning with local authorities or could show no evidence of involving the voluntary sector in the provision of preventative support services for older people

 David McCullough, Chief Executive of WRVS said:


“As an organisation working with thousands of older people every day at home, in hospital and in the community, WRVS know how vital and effective support services are, which keep older people involved with friends, neighbours and their local community. Services like befriending, community transport, and meals on wheels prevent extreme loneliness which in turn means fewer older people end up in hospital or care homes.


“It makes sound financial sense.  If PCTs and local authorities invest in preventing older people from being isolated they can reap the rewards in terms of savings in hospital admissions and reductions in the numbers of older people “blocking-beds” because they lack the support they need to get back on their feet at home.


“This has the potential to save the taxpayer millions, possibly even billions.”

The WRVS report was compiled using data received from Freedom of Information requests to PCTs in England. WRVS wanted to find out how the government’s £150 million funding for re-enablement was being used.  The request asked:

  • How does your PCT intend to spend the money allocated for re-enablement?
  • What progress has been made towards joint working with local authorities?
  • How are voluntary services being included in commissioning services?

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