Britain needs a national care service to heal divisions highlighted by the pandemic

Over the years, successive governments have talked about integrating health and social care services, but have failed to take action, says Arun Baksi

‘Nobody can tell when they might require support to live as independent a life as possible’ (Getty Images)

Britain urgently needs a national integrated care service that unites hospital care, primary care, community services and social care. This reformed structure would be administered by local care authorities that are democratically accountable and responsive to the needs of their communities – and supported by regional hubs.

In 1948, the NHS was established to provide comprehensive health care, free at the point of delivery for all who needed it and funded through general taxation. But social care remained the responsibility of local authorities, funded through local taxation but heavily means tested and subject to eligibility criteria.

The coronavirus pandemic has sharply highlighted that contrast and the damage caused by the continued division between the health systems and social care.