The NHS cannot call it community care while patients wait at home

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-09

Matthew Kayne, a leading voice in healthcare policy, argues that reliable community care hinges on three core pillars: better communication, stronger staffing, and greater support for disabled and vulnerable patients. When patients are left waiting at home for care that never arrives, the term 'community care' becomes a hollow promise. ### What is community care? Community care is meant to provide medical and social support outside of hospitals, allowing people to live independently in their own homes. But in practice, many patients face long delays, understaffed services, and a lack of coordination between providers. This isn't just inconvenient—it's dangerous for those who rely on daily assistance. ### Why communication matters Kayne emphasizes that without clear, real-time communication between healthcare teams, families, and patients, the system breaks down. A missed visit can mean a missed medication dose or a fall that goes unnoticed. Better communication tools, like shared digital records and automated alerts, could prevent these failures. ### Staffing shortages are the real crisis Stronger staffing isn't just about hiring more people—it's about retaining them. Low wages, burnout, and lack of training drive experienced workers away. Kayne suggests investing in career pathways and fair compensation to build a stable workforce. For example, a home care aide in the U.S. might earn around $30,000 per year—far below a living wage in many states. ### Supporting the most vulnerable Disabled and vulnerable patients often have complex needs that require specialized training. Yet many caregivers receive minimal preparation. Kayne calls for mandatory training programs and mental health support for both patients and staff. A simple checklist or a 15-minute check-in call can make a world of difference. ### The reality of waiting at home When patients are left waiting, they don't just suffer physically. They feel abandoned and anxious. Kayne notes that this erodes trust in the entire system. A 2023 survey found that over 40% of patients waiting for community care reported worsening conditions at home. ### What needs to change - Invest in digital communication platforms - Increase pay and benefits for care workers - Provide ongoing training for complex cases - Shorten response times to under 24 hours - Expand respite care for family caregivers ### A call for action Kayne's argument is clear: we can't call it community care if it leaves people stranded. Real community care means being there when you're needed. It means building a system that values every patient and every caregiver. Until then, it's just a label on a broken promise.