Greater Manchester to control its own health and social care budget

After the bed blocking that occurred this Winter, with patients unable to be discharged due to lack of appropriate facilities, it is clear that the NHS and council-run social care needs to be more integrated. In an attempt to tackle this, Greater Manchester has become the first English region to get full control of its health spending. Set to come into force in April 2016, the region's councils and health groups will be responsible for the £6bn health and social care budget.

Image: Full Fact

With the ageing population and the need to care for those with long-term conditions, there is an increasing demand for care homes and care in the community. Linking the NHS and social care could improve facilities, direct money to where it needs to be spent and improve communication between primary and secondary care. However, should this be done regionally?

Image: Imperial College Health Partners 

If this spreads so that all regions in England control their own health and social care budget, this will surely go against what it meant to be a National health service. Therefore, leading to further break up of the NHS. Not only this, but it is handing over a huge amount of money and responsibility.

Is the NHS ready for yet another reform?!