A recent report by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has highlighted the challenges faced by patients and carers in navigating England’s health and care system. The report found that frequent failures in coordinating care for people with long-term health conditions were leading to burnout, distress, and harm for patients and carers.
According to the report, patients with long-term health conditions were struggling to navigate the complex system, leading to missed appointments, delayed care, and the need for more intensive and expensive treatments in the future. Patients and carers were also experiencing frustration and exhaustion due to the lack of coordination between health and care providers.
Neil Alexander, a senior safety investigator at HSSIB, emphasized the need for better coordination of care to prevent mental and physical deterioration and harm to patients and carers. The report recommended improving the capacity and capability of the workforce to deliver personalized and coordinated care, as well as ensuring patients and carers have a single point of contact when needed.
The report also raised concerns about out-of-hours care and called on ministers to address the wide variation in how the current role of “NHS care coordinator” is implemented. The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment on the findings of the report.
Overall, the report highlights the need for better coordination and support for patients and carers in navigating the health and care system in England to prevent further harm and distress.
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