Roger Gale MP | UK | Press Releases

#MAKECAREFAIR AND END SCANDAL OF 15 MINUTE VISITS SAYS SIR ROGER GAL

March 21st 2018

North Thanet`s MP Sir Roger Gale joined the Leonard Cheshire disability charity at a parliamentary event to highlight their #MakeCareFair campaign for good quality social care and an end to rushed 15 minute personal care visits which can deprive people of dignified and compassionate care.

Over 12,000 people are still receiving ‘flying’ 15-minute personal care visits across England according to freedom of information requests by Leonard Cheshire, a leading disability charity.

Sir Roger said: ‘I was pleased to join Leonard Cheshire Disability in support of their #MakeCareFair campaign. Fifteen minute personal care visits rob too many people of their dignity and are unacceptable. These brief visits are a symptom of the need to fund social care adequately. We have to take the necessary action to ensure that no one has to experience rushed and undignified care.’

Flying visits in England continue despite statutory guidance within the Care Act 2014, which came into force in April 2015 stating: ‘short home-care visits of 15 minutes or less are not appropriate for people who need support with intimate care needs.’ [1]

The Leonard Cheshire charity has long campaigned against the use of 15-minute personal care visits to support people with basic needs such as washing, dressing and eating. These can deprive people of dignified and compassionate care.

Good care transforms disabled people’s lives. But social care is being chronically underfunded, leading to too many disabled people not receiving the care they need.

Neil Heslop, Leonard Cheshire’s Chief Executive added: ‘As we approach the long awaited government green paper on social care, the situation is tough in the sector.

‘Inadequate flying visits are indicative of a care system in crisis and coupled with PIP shortcomings have rendered disabled people an increasingly embattled, beleaguered community, singled out for punitive measures.

‘We will continue to campaign for the critical long term funding that is needed to transform the provision of care and improve the quality of thousands of lives.’