Sir – Health leaders in Oxfordshire need to be congratulated for their endeavours to avoid the endless winter pressures and ‘bed blocking’ by utilising care home beds. Working in partnership with colleagues in the independent sector however should be normal practice throughout the year regardless of ‘bed blocking’.

The health and social care sectors are at least united in being on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome of the Chancellor’s Comprehensive Spending Review. Our care services need continued investment, in particular to meet the requirement to pay the new living wage which is something we very much support.

Ann Mackay
Director of Policy Care England