HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 c913W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make a statement on the distinction between social care and health care as referred to in his statement of 12 July,Official Report, columns 975–79.

Mr. Mellor

In relation to community care, health care involves the investigation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation undertaken by a doctor or by other professional staff to whom a doctor has referred the patient. In addition, it includes health promotion and the prevention of ill health.

Social care consists of non-health care and support provided through the supply of goods and services to maintain or establish people in their own homes, or by residential or non-acute nursing home care, as appropriate to individuals' needs.

Health and social care combined form the basis of community care.