A new funding system that spells out clearly what patients get for free and what they pay for in health and social care must be created after the general election, the president of the organisation that represents social services directors said on Thursday.

The aftermath of the Baby Peter case is set to dominate the annual gathering of social care professionals. The annual meeting of social services experts in Harrogate gets underway after months of soul-searching following the case of the murdered boy, which has renewed pressure on social workers.

THOUSANDS of Norfolk pensioners are facing the loss of day centres because controversial changes to the way social care is funded means a cash lifeline which helps keep them running has been severed.

A mass swine flu immunisation programme began on Wednesday with the country’s chief medical officer urging all priority groups to take up the offer of vaccination.
 

Following a scathing a report into mental health care in Cumbria, experts have said that steps are being taken to improve its services.

It’s not always easy to explain what social care is, and a new online TV service, launched today, aims to stimulate debate about the big issues in the sector.

Skills Minister Kevin Brennan welcomed the launch of the National Skills Academy for Social Care, saying the scheme will “transform” the sector.

Portsmouth has a new man in charge of its children – and he is determined to see them succeed. Julian Wooster has been appointed the director of children’s services at Portsmouth City Council.

Talking walking frames, robopets and interactive coffee tables could help cut down on care home bills and keep older people living at home for longer, researchers claim.
 

Social services departments have seen a rise in the numbers of vulnerable adults referred to them because they are at risk of physical and sexual abuse, as well as financial fraud, a study has found.