Government appoints new care trust supremo

Richard Humphries, who is director of social services in
Herefordshire and chief executive of the health authority, has been
given the job of driving the government’s care trust programme.

Humphries will also ensure the national service framework for
older people is implemented, health minister Jacqui Smith
announced.

Humphries, who is director of health, housing and social care
for Herefordshire, will head up a new ‘health and social care
change agent team’ on secondment until April 2003.

The aim of the team is to offer targeted intervention to
specific areas with severe delayed discharge problems, as part of
the government’s commitment to end widespread
‘bed-blocking’ across Britain by 2004.

Smith said: “Our recent £300 million ‘cash for
change’ investment underpinned by the new agreement with the
private and voluntary home care sectors, health and housing
organisations, is linked to radical reform of the way NHS and
social services work together. The health and social care agent
team will play a vital role in making this happen.

“Our programme of investment and reform will make a real
difference to the quality of care for older people,” she added.

 

 

 

 

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