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Richard Murray, Director of Policy at The King’s Fund, responded to today’s State of Care report by the Care Quality Commission 

'Struggling A&E departments are one symptom of a health and care system that can no longer cope.

'That the overall quality of the care provided has been maintained is testament to the effort and resilience of NHS and social care staff. However, today’s report lays bare the challenge of years of squeezed funding, compounded by significant workforce shortages and rising demand for services. This is taking a toll on access to health and social care and some people cannot get the services they need. 

'Joined-up services are the key to high quality care. The NHS long-term plan must include firm action and dedicated funding to change how health and care services are delivered, and the government’s long-awaited social care Green Paper must tackle the legacy of years of underfunding and workforce problems in social care.'

Notes to editors

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact the Press and Public Affairs team on 020 7307 2585 (if calling out of hours, please ring 07584 146035).

The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.