Sir - I am writing in response to a recent study suggesting a merged NHS and social care budget in England will prevent vulnerable people falling between the gaps of the two systems. By introducing a single, seamless health and care system we could dramatically improve the current system, which is failing vulnerable individuals caught in-between the two services.

The gap between the NHS and the social care system has arisen because the services were created shortly after World War Two, and don’t take into account the issues we are faced with in contemporary society, such as the aging population. The gap is more obvious when differentiating between different illnesses and conditions, for instance those diagnosed with cancer are cared for free of charge, whereas those who have developed dementia are effectively left to fend for themselves. Essentially there’s a real injustice with the current system which is not only unfair, but unsustainable in the long run.

The suggestion of a pooled budget, where the NHS and Social Care Services work in cohesion with each other, is really welcome. As the current funding is being squeezed to breaking point, we have been left in a situation where many vulnerable people are not receiving the care they vitally need. Although the changes to the system could be a long way off, it’s reassuring to hear that steps are being taken to look into the gap between the two services, and people are recognising the issue.

Hannah MacKechnie

Radfield Home Care

Worcester