Sutton's older people speak out about care

On Thursday 18 January, local decision-makers from Sutton’s NHS, council and charity sector heard from local older people, their carers and professionals about their front-line experiences of social care, and answered questions about the local and national care system. 

Over 60 people attended Age UK Sutton’s inaugural Forum event to hear from Nick Ireland, Acting Director of Adult Social Services for Sutton Council, Lucie Waters, Managing Director of the NHS Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group and Rachael MacLeod, CEO of Sutton Carers’ Centre. Paul Scully, MP for Sutton and Cheam was also on the panel as the MP for the constituency in which the event took place. 

The Question Time-style event saw panel members speaking about the impact of national policy changes on local delivery, and plans for closer working of health and social care. Questions from the audience included the relationship between housing and care and creative solutions for people who want care at home. 

Asked to commit to one change-making action Paul Scully MP said: 

“I am keen to make sure that your voices – local voices, with the support of organisations like Age UK Sutton – are really heard nationally in the consultation process for social care reform.” 

Lucie Waters made a commitment to better health and care integration, saying:  

“I will do everything in my power to bring all the health agencies together to deliver a Sutton health and care programme.”  

Her pledge was supported by Nick Ireland who also encouraged local residents to continue sharing their ideas and engaging in consultations to shape the design and development of local services. 

Speaking about the event, Nicola Upton, CEO of Age UK Sutton said: 

“We are very pleased by the response of the Sutton community and decision-makers to our inaugural Forum event. Over 60 people joined us to talk about the issue of care in Sutton.

I know our panellists welcomed the chance to hear from local residents about their experiences of social care and guests tell me they appreciated being able to hear about developments in the local care system. 

Future forums will continue to give decision-makers and the people their decisions affect an opportunity  to come together to share experiences and exchange ideas as part of our commitment to making Sutton a better place to grow older. 

We welcome suggestions for themes of future events. We are asking local people, especially older people, to tell us the key issues and topics they would like to see addressed at the next forum.” 

For more information on the Age UK Sutton Forum events, and to share ideas for future themes, please email comms@ageuksutton.org.uk or call 020 8408 7025.