The Independent Care Group is today calling on the Government to work with them to urgently tackle the issue of people stuck in hospital because there is no care available to them if they are discharged.
Figures show that more than 14,000 people are fit enough to be discharged from hospital but cannot leave, often because there are no social care packages available.
The ICG says this has to be tackled quickly and cannot wait until the results of the upcoming commission on social care.
ICG Chair, Mike Padgham said: “This frightening figure shows just how vital it is that we reform social care quickly, because the system is grinding to a halt.
“We have to work together to make more social care available so that there are packages available and people can be discharged from hospital and looked after where they should be – either at home or in a care or nursing home.
“In some cases that would mean tackling bureaucratic and funding logjams that get in the way when there is capacity. I can’t believe that after 30 years we are still saying the same things – it's madness.
“The social care sector has the experience, knowledge and expertise to work with the Government to find solutions and we are ready, willing and able to help.
“The Government accepts that it cannot fix the NHS without fixing social care and that the sector has been under-funded – we need to address those things now.”
He said social care reform couldn’t wait until the results of the commission into social care. The commission will report in mid-2026 then again in 2028.
“We need to move more quickly,” Mr Padgham added. “A day of action is planned for 25th February and that shows the strength of feeling in social care right now. The sector is worried. Without Government help, the combined impact of increases in the Employer’s National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage could be devastating on a sector that is already on its knees. It could mean more people going without care.”