THE Meon Valley MP has received interest from the Health Secretary to explore her idea of a social care commissioner.

Speaking in the Coronavirus and Care Homes debate in parliament on May 21, Flick Drummond said: “As the Secretary of State has already mentioned, the coronavirus crisis has highlighted the importance of the joined-up approach between the NHS and the social care sector.

“He has assured me that we will continue to build a more cohesive structure. Will he also consider appointing a social care commissioner to lead that work and be the voice of the social care sector?"

In reply, Matt Hancock said: “I am interested in talking to her more about her idea.”

Speaking afterwards Ms Drummond added: "I think a social care commissioner would be a vital new addition to ensuring we have a better joined-up approach between the NHS and care homes and it would be an effective voice for the sector with government, trade bodies and the public. We already have commissioners for social work, for example, and it has worked.

“I am pleased the health secretary expressed an initial interest in the idea today and my job now is to formulate a paper setting out what the role should be and presenting that to the department to look at.”

The minister also joined Ms Drummond in praising the work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight local resilience forum.

No care home in the two counties has been without personal protective equipment during the pandemic.