Kirsty Matthews, chief executive of learning disability charity, Hft, has responded to a major speech by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on the NHS.

In the speech during a visit to an East of England ambulance service in Essex yesterday, Starmer said social care was “definitely a priority” due to its intrinsic link with the NHS but said Labour’s mission was to create an “NHS fit for the future”.

Matthews said: “It is really positive to see that Labour’s plans for the NHS include reforming social care; social care is inextricably linked to our health service and the significant challenges we face. These challenges, particularly those relating to recruitment and retention, must be addressed if we also want the NHS to succeed.

“Last year, according to our Sector Pulse Check research, staff shortages across the adult social care sector saw nearly one-fifth of providers close services, impacting the ability of our sector to respond to those who need support.

“Providers overwhelmingly feel that increased staff pay would have the greatest impact on recruitment and retention, so it is reassuring to see Labour’s proposals for a fair pay agreement.”

She continued: “However, any arrangement for staff pay must be fully funded and ringfenced at the local authority level to prevent additional financial burdens on providers who are already severely stretched. 

“At present, proposals for social care form just one short paragraph in Labour’s mission to ‘build an NHS fit for the future’. It is important that we are not considered an afterthought, nor a solution to the issues in the NHS.

“Rather, reform of the social care system must be given due time and consideration to ensure that it too, is fit for the future and can deliver for learning disabled adults for years to come.”