Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone has called on the region’s Health and Social Care Partnerships to urgently address concerns around the reduction in provision of home-care support, which has left many disabled people in an extremely difficult position.
Reports suggest that the Lothian region’s Health and Social Care Partnerships have reduced their visits by 356 in total, leaving many vulnerable people struggling to cope – a matter the Scottish Greens raised in parliament this week.
Alison Johnstone MSP said: “The figures published this week raise major concerns, There is huge disparity around the country, with the City of Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership reducing their clients by 240, East Lothian by 44, Midlothian by 24, and West Lothian by 48, while at the same time Angus increased its by 80.
“The Scottish Government confirmed that extra support is available and that if more is needed it will be provided, so our Health and Social Care Partnerships must confirm that they will immediately access this support and restore home care visits.
“I’m extremely concerned about the impact of these changes, which result in some people having their support packages dramatically reduced, and others losing support entirely, with many then forced to rely on family members for personal care, meals and medication.
“The impact on the mental wellbeing of disabled people, particularly in terms of social isolation which can disproportionately affect disabled people, is a huge concern. While its vital that care is restored as quickly as possible, the immediate roll-out of online or remote mental health resources would be really valuable right now.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52415302
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