Highland residents urged to have say and help shape plans for a National Care Service in Scotland
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HIGHLAND residents will get the chance to have their say on how a new National Care Service should work at public meetings this summer.
A series of meetings are taking place across Scotland this summer over the controversial proposals, which would see responsibility for social care transferred from local authorities to a new, national service.
As well as the public meetings, a number of online meetings are also being promoted for anyone who would prefer to join discussions remotely.
Social care minister Maree Todd, who is also the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “There are unique demands across the country, which is why we’re going to different areas, ensuring communities the length and breadth of Scotland are represented in designing a National Care Service tailored to local needs.
“Having listened to care providers, unions and the third sector during the Bill scrutiny process, these meetings will allow anyone who uses care services, has a loved one that relies on care or has worked in the sector to have their say. This will help inform future stages of the Bill as it progresses through the Parliamentary process.
“There is general agreement that social care transformation will be of great benefit. This needs us all to have a shared understanding of what is working well and really focus on what’s needed to support people to thrive with the most suitable care for them. I would encourage everyone to be part of this conversation. To do this you can look to attend an event near you or join online, and be part of what will be the biggest social reform of our lifetimes.”
Ms Todd was speaking after a visit to Allied Health Professionals in Bonnyrigg, where she spoke with staff about what they want to see from the co-design of the new national approach.
Alison Keir, chairwoman of the Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland, said: “Rehabilitation is central to improving health and social care services in Scotland. Rehabilitation services are vital to people recovering from injury or supported through illness.
"When people get the rehabilitative care they need, they can be discharged from hospital sooner. Then they will need less health and social care, avoid being readmitted to hospital, and be able to regain their quality of life and their role as active citizens in Scotland.
“Allied Health Professionals, such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists, are experts in delivering rehabilitation. It is vital we improve community provision. We will fully engage with the national care service process to ensure we have the right services and systems in place.”
The public meetings programme begins in June in Stirling, with Highland Council area dates coming later at the An Crùbh Community Centre on Skye on August 1 and the Strathpeffer Community Centre on August 8.
Two national online events are also planned on August 24 and 29.
And the Inkwell in Elgin will also host an in-person event on August 22.
To register for any of the events, visit www.gov.scot/policies/social-care/national-care-service.
