英国新首相安迪·伯纳姆承诺对该国社会护理系统进行全面改革，称其状况"如同美国医疗体系一样不公平，脆弱者为一切付出代价"[1]。他将这一现象描述为数十年来政治家的"重大失职"[1]，并表示准备承担改革所带来的政治风险，包括可能的税收增加[1]。
伯纳姆计划与反对党合作建立"国家护理服务"[1]，并邀请反对党领导人参与讨论[1]。社会福利专家路易丝·凯西将主持"大对话"，听取公众对改革的意见[1]。工党承诺增加护理工人的薪酬、培训和地位[1]。
这一议题对伯纳姆具有个人意义——他的父亲患有阿尔茨海默病[1]。伯纳姆在2009年担任卫生部长期间曾提出社会护理改革方案[1]。他此前在大曼彻斯特担任市长十年，近期才重返英国政府[1]。
Andy Burnham, Britain's new Prime Minister, has committed to overhauling the nation's social care system, which he characterizes as fundamentally flawed.[1] Burnham stated that he views social care in the United Kingdom as inequitable, declaring: "I think British social care is as unfair as American healthcare. The vulnerable pay the price for everything."[1] He plans to establish a "National Care Service" through cross-party collaboration and has invited opposition leaders to participate in discussions, signaling his willingness to assume political risk for the reform, potentially including tax increases.[1]
The new Prime Minister brings personal motivation to the issue, as his father lives with Alzheimer's disease.[1] Burnham previously proposed social care reforms during his tenure as Health Secretary in 2009, and he has returned to government after a decade serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester.[1] To advance the initiative, welfare expert Louise Casey will lead a "big conversation" to gather public input on the reform agenda.[1] The Labour government has committed to improving compensation, training, and status for care workers as part of its broader reform strategy.[1]