England's care home regulator has a staff shortage of nearly 300, including some 133 inspectors, it has said. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has 283 unfilled posts in its workforce, including inspectors whose job it is to ensure care homes meet standards. It blamed a recruitment freeze imposed by the Government last year - but the Department of Health said it relaxed the curb in February.
UK scientists say pioneering research into cystic fibrosis has been delayed by funding problems caused by the economic downturn. The researchers were hoping to begin a trial later this summer, using gene therapy to try to protect patients' lungs from potentially fatal damage. They have been shortlisted for a prestigious award medical innovation. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust says public donations for this type of work have fallen in the tough economic climate.
Many disabled people in Blackpool could be left "marooned" in care homes if plans to change the Disability Living Allowance go ahead, an MP claims. The £49.85 a week mobility part of the allowance for working-age people in care, which goes towards trips out, will be cut in the Welfare Reform Bill.
Social care is facing a funding gap of more than £1bn by 2014 in England - a situation which would have consequences for the NHS, a leading think-tank says. The King's Fund analysis predicted councils would struggle to protect home help and care home places as they come to terms with funding cuts.
To-day, the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference passed an amended motion on the proposed removal of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for those who live in residential care homes or children who have to go to residential schools. Here is the text of the motion:-
Government figures show about 450,000 disabled people will see their incomes cut under one of the changes planned to housing benefit. Campaigners fear thousands will be forced from their homes.