LONDON, November 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
The introduction of the new National Living Wage has divided the care sector. Speaking in an interview for a programme entitled "Caring Communities", Care England Chief Executive Professor Martin Green has warned that even though the care workforce should be paid significantly more, insufficient funding to support it will put some care providers at risk and subsequently impact on the NHS.
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"Caring Communities" is an in-depth online programme produced by ITN Productions in partnership with Care England. The news-style programme explores the complex role of carers and the initiatives within the sector as demand grows exponentially. Inadequate funding, lack of resources, an underpaid and under-recognised workforce, and a lack of integration with the health sector are some of the key issues examined in the programme.
Introduced by renowned television journalist and Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Angela Rippon, "Caring Communities" features key industry interviews and news-style reports along with some sponsored editorial profiles of care providers who show their initiatives. The programme also includes a studio debate which was conducted in April, tackling some of the toughest issues facing the sector including the Care Act, health and social care integration and workforce support. Hosted by leading broadcaster Bridgid Nzekwu, the panel included Angela Rippon; Chief Executive of Care England, Professor Martin Green OBE; Deputy Director of Citizens UK, Matthew Bolton, who's been leading Citizens UK's national campaign on social care; and prolific blogger and dementia campaigner, Beth Britton.
Supporting people suffering from dementia is also at the top of the agenda. A programme item entitled "Creative Minds" introduces tailored arts programmes in care homes conducted throughout the UK that have seen remarkable improvements in the self-confidence and happiness of residents.
Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England commented: "We need to see a better partnership between the NHS and social care, which is based on mutual respect and a common purpose. Health and social care are interdependent, and the government must recognise that unless they fund social care properly the impact on the NHS will be enormous and the entire system will go into meltdown. The new living wage is another enormous cost for the care sector and as our largest customer, the government must fund this increase in its entirety, and put more money into social care in the future. Care England's partnership with ITN Productions, has been hugely beneficial to examine these issues and raise awareness of the care sector.
Simon Shelley, Head of Industry News, ITN Productions said: "ITN Productions is thoroughly enjoying its continued partnership with Care England, as we strive to bring to life the innovative solutions that can meet the challenges that face the sector, now, and in the future. We hope to spark new dialogue across the sector and beyond by exploring the issues with content that we hope is viewed, shared and continually engaged with."
To watch the full programme, please visit Care England website at http://www.careengland.org.uk/caring-communities-2015
Notes to editors:
About Care England
Care England, a registered charity, is the leading representative body for independent care services in England. Working on behalf of small, medium and large providers, Care England speaks with a single unified voice for both members and the whole care sector. Our membership includes organisations of varying types and sizes, amongst them single care homes, small local groups, national providers and not-for-profit voluntary organisations and associations. Between them they provide a variety of services for older people and those with long term conditions, learning disabilities or mental health problems.
About ITN Productions
ITN Productions is ITN's bespoke production hub producing creative and commercially valuable content for the corporate, commercial, broadcast and digital sectors. Industry News forms part of this offering and is a communications tool for leading industry bodies and national associations produced in a broadcast news programme format, including interviews, news items and sponsored editorial profiles.
http://www.itnproductions.co.uk
Press contacts
Leonie
Care England
Tel: +44(0)20-7492-4844
Email: lpurvis@careengland.org.uk
Emilie Charron
ITN Productions
Tel: +44(0)207-430-4708
Email: emilie.charron@itn.co.uk
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