The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has released The State of Health Care and Adult Social Care in England 2024/25, outlining continued strain across health and social care as services adapt to a national move towards neighbourhood-based care.
The report points to rising demand, workforce shortages and ongoing delays in hospital discharges as key factors affecting patient safety, access, and the quality of care. It notes that, while there are examples of effective collaboration and local innovation, community services will require greater support to deliver the ambitions set out in the government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
“Community services need significant investment in both capacity and capability to deliver the transformative shift called for in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England."
Key findings include:
- Demand for GP and community health services continues to grow, with a 26% increase in children and young people waiting for care between 2023 and 2024.
- In 2024/25, 1.8 million people waited more than 12 hours in A&E, a 10% rise compared with the previous year.
- Vacancy rates in adult social care remain around three times higher than in the wider job market.
- Delayed discharges continue to restrict hospital capacity and contribute to wider system pressures.
- Inequalities persist, particularly affecting older people, people with dementia, and those living in deprived areas.
Despite these challenges, the CQC highlights examples of improvement and innovation, such as integrated neighbourhood models, advances in digital care, and the use of artificial intelligence to streamline administrative work in general practice.
Find out more on the State of Health Care and Adult Social Care in England 2024/25
