Blog: Is it time for a National Care Service?

You may already have heard talk about a ‘National Care Service’ from politicians, social care providers, voluntary organisations, and in the media.

It all stems from a general agreement that adult social care in Scotland is in need of reform. But what kind of reform would really work?

The question on the table is whether “nationalising” social care is the answer. The COVID-19 pandemic and its tragic consequences have unforgivingly exposed how much strain the current system has been operating under.

Many see a 'National Care Service' as an opportunity to drastically shake up social care. Advocates say that passing responsibility and oversight to Scottish ministers would lead to greater accountability and scrutiny, and continue to drive improvements. 

But on the other hand, social care is wider than residential and nursing homes. It’s about enabling people to live full and independent lives, having choices about the kind of care and support they receive, and flexible solutions based on their individual needs.

Would a more top-down approach, similar to how the NHS operates, be appropriate for a service that provides such varied and personal care?

One of the biggest issues at this stage is that a ‘National Care Service’ as a concept means many things to different people. Without a definitive explanation of what it is and how it would operate it’s hard to know whether or not this is the right move.

What we do know is that social care needs more investment and greater parity with health care both in financial terms, and also public and political support.

The independent review on Adult Social Care that is currently underway will also consider the question of a National Care Service.

So, is a National Care Service the right way forward for social care? Let us know by clicking on one of the buttons below: