Gill Steward explains how Bexley LBC’s services for older and disabled adults will enable them to feel part of the wider community and not merely patients in the health and social care system

We are pressing ahead with the development of a new integrated health and social care service in Bexley, south east London. Our aim is simple but also ambitious: to deliver seamless and efficient health and social care for our residents, to help them remain independent for as long as possible.

The challenges we face are familiar: reduced funding and an increase in the number of people presenting with complex needs. Bexley has an above average proportion of older residents. Our response is to get on to the front foot.