Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid closed Care England’s first in-person conference since the start of the pandemic by saying we can’t face the future without acknowledging “the most challenging and testing years in memory”. 

“The pandemic will live with us for many years to come,” he added, saying that vaccination is an important part of the post-Covid-19 world. “Recovery and reform are two sides of the same coin.”

Looking at the ten-year plan for social care, he emphasised the importance of greater integration and better quality of care, claiming that “over time, an increasing share of the funding from the levy will be used on social care”.

Javid said it was a cross-government endeavour, and the expertise of people in the care sector was vital: “We are all very much stronger for it”. His key focuses to reflect on were the workforce, housing and technology.

He said that the workforce is social care’s “greatest asset”, and he was “in awe of the professionalism and compassion” of the sector. With regards to housing, he said “health and care begin at home”, referencing how the majority of people want to live in their own homes and as independently as they can for as long as possible, which is something he wishes to help as many people as possible achieve. “There is a dignity and pride of living behind your own front door,” he added, talking about the funds that will be accessible for supported housing.

Javid said that technology is putting “more power in people’s hands”, referring to its potential to improve the quality of care. “It’s not a ‘nice to have, it’s an absolute necessity.”

Referring to his target to get 80% of providers using digital records by March 2024 (compared to the current 40%), he said: “I know it’s something you are all keen to embrace and we are going to support you in every way we can”. 

With 40% of admissions to care homes due to falls, he discussed technology that doesn’t just detect falls, but can prevent some of them from happening in the first place: “It’s an essential stepping stone of a vital journey”.

Looking to the future, he said he’s very proud of the work that’s underway: “We have risen to so many challenges. We’re at a crossroads, there’s no turning back – there will be no more kicking the can down the road.”

Javid also confirmed his intention to meet with Care Workers’ Charity executive director Karolina Gerlich to discuss plans: “It is important for us that we are getting the very best information from people on the front line.

“Whatever we do, it must mean the sector is sustainable and has an even stronger foundation. It is a challenge. With a cap, it must be meaningful, and we make sure people have access to the same services. How we bring about change has to be done in a very careful way – a smooth and consistent change that is sustainable, we are thinking very carefully about how we do that.”

Javid highlighted the link between health and social care: “It’s not joined up as it should be but digital records will make it easier”.

He concluded by saying that everything everyone in the room was doing was to improve care. Looking at potential future lockdowns, he said that we are better equipped to deal with new variants due to the vaccination programme and boosters. 

“As long as Covid-19 rates are high, we will continue to help with testing for residents and staff as it’s a vulnerable setting – it is right to provide that support,” he added, saying there is an element of discretion for each care home and judgement for managers if an outbreak occurs, but as a general rule, there will be a relaxation of defences.

“We have got to remain vigilant,” he concluded.