Health Secretary Frank Dobson has heaped unprecedented praise on social services directors for helping to avert a winter beds crisis at Christmas.
'This was a great achievement and I would be grateful if you would convey my thanks to members of the Association of Directors of Social Services,' said Dobson in a letter to ADSS president Roy Taylor.
However, the feared winter beds crisis failed to materialise. The NHS Confederation had warned of possible bed-blocking if cold weather combined with a 'flu epidemic to boost demand for services.
'We are in the fortunate position that we don't have this extra demand,' said a Confederation spokesperson.
Eighty per cent of health authorities believe cold weather payments will not cut winter deaths among pensioners and 61 per cent said the winter pressures cash proved only a minor contribution to services, says research by Anchor Trust.
Phil Hope succeeds Ivan Lewis as adult social care minister
Action on Elder Abuse says personalisation is used to cut costs
Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
