Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham praised Jewish Care as a “beacon of good practice” during a tour of its Golders Green campus last Thursday.
The MP — who is proposing a model for “integrated” health care — said the charity’s inclusive social, medical and religious concept was “an aspiration for the future of health and social care across the country.
“This is a clear demonstration of how the voluntary sector and local community organisations can deliver services that both meet the needs of an individual and the wider community.”
He was also impressed by Jewish Care’s support within the community. To be able to call on 3,600 volunteers was “truly remarkable. What a strength that is. I can’t get the number of volunteers out of my head.”
Mr Burnham’s visit to the charity’s flagship premises was made at the instigation of Sarah Sackman, the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Finchley and Golders Green.
“The community can be really proud of Jewish Care,” she said. “I am delighted that Andy is here to see it.”
Jewish Care chief executive Simon Morris, who accompanied Mr Burnham on his tour, would welcome a more integrated health system. “We believe that our clients would benefit greatly from a more joined-up approach to health and social care on a local and national level,” he said.
