WRVS welcomes Heath Secretary’s announcement

2009-10-26 16:20:50 - WRVS welcomes Heath Secretary’s announcement

WRVS has welcomed Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham’s announcement on 22 October to bring forward legislation to prevent age discrimination in the NHS. WRVS believes every person deserves the same degree of care and support and that shouldn’t stop when you hit 65.

WRVS also supports government’s decision not to scrap the disability living allowance. This supports the wellbeing

of 1.6 million pensioners who currently receive it. This decision does raise questions on how future social care will be funded. Plans announced at the Labour Party Conference in September stated that individuals will have to pay for some of their care, with full personal care provided to those people most in need free of charge. (See WRVS news, 30 September).

“We welcome the decision to bring forward legislation to prevent age discrimination within the NHS. Every individual, no matter what their age, has the right to a decent level of care and support. Negative perceptions of old age are widespread; this legislation will help change attitudes to ageing and older people.” claimed WRVS chief executive, Lynne Berry. “The future of social care is now in the balance; the proposed National Care Service will cost more but is vital to ensure we all receive the benefits in the long run.”

Find out more about Lynne's opinion on this subject by visiting her blog - www.hsj.co.uk/comment/blogs

WRVS launched its election challenge at the Party conferences this month, calling on the next government to commit to four pledges including reforming social care to make Britain a great place to grow old.

Tell us what you think: email your views on the proposed reforms to sofija.opacic@wrvs.org.uk

If you are a journalist and would like to know more about WRVS’ view on the government’s decision to prevent age discrimination call Julia Cook on 07714 652390 or email julia.cook@wrvs.org.uk