(Formed from the merger of the Registered Nursing Home Association and the Scottish Spina Bifida Association)
A New National Voice for Health, Disability, and Care
We are proud to announce the merger of two long standing, UK-trusted organisations…. the Registered Nursing Home Association (RNHA) and the Scottish Spina Bifida Association (SSBA), into a single, unified body representing excellence, compassion and integrity in health and social care across the United Kingdom.
Together, we now form the United Health and Care Alliance, a national, UK Government supported and NHS aligned organisation dedicated to improving quality of life for residents in nursing homes and individuals affected by lifelong health conditions such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Supported by local councils, care professionals and family networks, our Alliance is committed to ensuring every person receives the respect, resources, and support they need! from early childhood through to older age.
Our Combined Heritage
The RNHA – Over 50 Years of Leadership in Nursing Home Care
Founded in 1968, the Registered Nursing Home Association (RNHA) has long been recognised as the oldest and most respected representative body for nursing home owners and managers in the UK.
Led by Chairman Ian Turner, a nursing home owner himself, and governed by a board of elected volunteers, the RNHA has championed high standards in care, safety, and workforce development.
Through policy consultation and collaboration with UK Government departments, the NHS, and local councils, the RNHA has consistently worked to enhance professional standards, promote best practice, and ensure dignity for older people across the care sector.
The SSBA – Scotland’s Voice for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
Established in 1965 by parents advocating for children with complex neurological conditions, the Scottish Spina Bifida Association (SSBA) has grown into a vital, nationwide charity supporting children, young people, and adults living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and allied conditions.
Through its Family Support Centre and Lo-Call Helpline, SSBA has provided expert guidance, clinical information, and emotional support for over 3,000 registered service users. Working in partnership with NHS Scotland, NHS England, educational bodies, and local authorities, SSBA has ensured that families have access to lifelong care pathways, inclusive education, and practical support at every stage.
Our Shared Mission
Our mission is to create a nationally integrated health and social care network that strengthens:
- The quality of care in nursing homes and residential settings.
- The support available for individuals with complex lifelong conditions.
- The collaboration between health, social care, and charitable sectors.
We believe in delivering compassionate, evidence based, person centred care, combining the RNHA’s expertise in professional nursing provision with the SSBA’s pioneering approach to community and family support.
Our Work Includes:
- Policy and Advocacy: Advising UK Government departments, the NHS, and local councils on sustainable care standards and disability support frameworks.
- Training and Professional Development: Delivering nationwide roadshows, webinars, and resources for care staff, managers, and volunteers.
- Family and Community Services: Expanding helpline and outreach services to ensure individuals and families receive timely, expert guidance.
- Research and Innovation: Partnering with academic institutions to improve clinical outcomes, digital care systems, and social inclusion.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Increasing national understanding of neurological conditions, care needs, and the importance of regulated care environments.
Supported by Trusted UK Institutions
Our united organisation operates in partnership with and under the guidance of:
- The UK Government Department of Health and Social Care
- The National Health Service (NHS)
- Local Councils and regional health authorities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- National care sector groups such as the Care Provider Alliance and Digital Social Care Network
These collaborations ensure that our work aligns with the highest professional, ethical, and safety standards in the country.
Our Vision for the Future
The merger of RNHA and SSBA marks the beginning of a new chapter in UK health and social care — one focused on collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. Our long-term goal is to establish a unified support framework for everyone who relies on the UK’s care network, from residential nursing care to condition-specific family assistance.
By combining decades of expertise and advocacy, we aim to make every voice heard, every need met, and every life valued.
New Contact Us Details
For general enquiries, partnership opportunities, or media information, please contact:
Email: info@rnha-ssba.org.uk
Web: www.rnha.co.uk
Head Office:
Derek whittaker House,
