Following the appointment of The Rt Hon James Murray MP as the new Health and Social Care Secretary, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
'We welcome the appointment of the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and look forward to working closely with him. As he takes on this important role, it is vital that social care is recognised as an equal partner to the NHS within his remit.
'A strong, sustainable social care sector is essential to supporting disabled people to live independently, improving outcomes, and reducing pressure across the wider health system. The Minister’s previous role in the Treasury and expertise on housing plus history in local government will already have highlighted the vital role social care, as delivered by Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations plays in the delivery of the Government’s stated ambitions around growth, opportunity and fairness.’