As winter settles in, the NHS is bracing for one of its toughest seasons in years. Across the country, waiting lists remain at record highs, A&E departments continue to struggle with overcrowding, and community health services face rapidly rising demand. Yet here in Surrey, a recent local decision could make this national crisis even worse: the early termination of funded respite care breaks for unpaid carers.
At Crossroads Care Surrey, we know first-hand how essential these breaks are. They are not a luxury, but a lifeline for unpaid carers. For many of the carers we support, a weekly respite session is what keeps them going. It allows them time to rest, attend their own medical appointments, or simply take a breath. Removing this support now, just as winter illnesses surge, risks pushing already-fragile families into crisis. This will place even more pressure on health services that can’t afford it.
A Winter the NHS Is Not Ready For
Across England, health leaders are warning that the system is already stretched to breaking point. Millions are still waiting for first appointments and diagnoses. Essential scans and procedures are delayed. A&E departments are reporting thousands of people leaving without treatment because the wait is too long. And referrals for mental-health and neurodiversity assessments have risen so sharply that the government has ordered a review.
This winter, the usual seasonal surge is predicted to be particularly severe. GP surgeries are already reporting spikes in appointments for minor winter ailments.
Collectively, these issues threaten to “clog up” services at the worst possible time.
With the system under such strain, preventing avoidable crises in the community has never been more important. But the removal of funded respite care in Surrey does the opposite.
A Decision With Real Consequences for Families
Surrey County Council’s decision to end its funded contract for respite care breaks leaves hundreds of unpaid carers without the support they rely on. The impact is both immediate and profound.
“These breaks aren’t just a wellbeing measure, they prevent crisis,” says Terry Hawkins, CEO of Crossroads Care Surrey. “They give carers time to rest, manage their own health and prevent burnout. Removing funded respite at a time like this is unsafe and short-sighted.”
When a carer reaches breaking point, the repercussions go straight to GPs, community services and hospitals. This is why restoring respite support is one of the simplest and most effective steps Surrey can take right now to prevent additional pressure on the NHS.
Unpaid Carers: The Invisible Backbone of the NHS
Unpaid carers save the UK the equivalent of the entire NHS budget, around £184 billion a year, according to research by Carers UK and the Centre for Care. Yet despite this staggering contribution, many carers face exhaustion, social isolation, and declining health because they lack the time and space to look after themselves.
Removing funded respite breaks will inevitably lead to:
- More GP appointments
- More emergency call-outs
- Higher risk of avoidable hospital admissions
- Increased pressure on already-stretched community teams
This isn’t speculation. It’s what we see every day in our work with Surrey families.
Respite Care Is Not Optional — It’s Essential Infrastructure
In moments of national pressure, we often look to hospitals for solutions, but the reality is that support must start in the community. When carers are supported, families stay stable. When carers burn out, crises follow.
Respite care is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent avoidable health emergencies. It keeps loved ones safe at home. It ensures carers remain healthy enough to continue their vital role. And it protects the NHS from demand that could, and should, be prevented.
This winter, Surrey cannot afford the consequences of withdrawing such critical support.
If you would like to share your story or support our work, please get in touch. Together, we can keep families strong and help protect our NHS when it needs it most.
