Tag: Health and Social Care

EIJB funding crisis: Agenda for tomorrow’s conference

To attendees and those who wished to be kept in touch about conference developments:

Hi,

Thank you for attending the workshop on Saturday or for expressing an interest in campaign developments. We will produce a written report on the conclusions arising out of the discussion at the plenary session of the workshop.

Attached is the agenda for the workshop on Saturday,

One of the key issues to be discussed at the workshop is the City Council’s response to the proposed cut in funding to third sector organisations.

The cut will take effect on 30/6/25. However, we understand that Council action to mitigate the effects of the cuts will be discussed during the Council’s budget setting meeting on 20/2/25.

There may need to be a lobby of the Council meeting.

Regards,

Des Loughney
Secretary
Edinburgh TUC

EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE CAMPAIGN – THE WAY FORWARD

Unitecd Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL

Workshop Saturday 18th January 2025

AGENDA

Chair: Ian Mullen (UNISON City of Edinburgh Council Branch)

9.30 am – 10.00 am: Tea/ coffee and biscuits.

10.00 am – 11 am. Introduction to workshop

Des Loughney – Secretary, UNITE Edinburgh Not For Profit Branch (1)

Councillor Tim Pogson – Vice Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (2)

Denise Ritchie: Fair Work Project Officer, Scottish Trades Union Congress (3)

Linda Sommerville: Deputy General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress. (3)

11am to 12.30pm Working Groups ( two)

12.30 pm to 1.00 pm – Plenary Session and summing up.

Speakers:

  1. Des Loughney will comment on the impact of the proposed EIJB cuts on services and third sector worker terms and conditions. The impact includes compulsory redundancies and downgrading of contracts of employment from guaranteed working weeks to zero hour contracts,
  2. Councillor Tim Pogson will update us on the response of the Council to the proposed EIJB cuts. The City Council is seeking to mitigate the impact of the cuts on the third sector.
  3. Denise Ritchie and Linda Sommervile will brief the workshop on proposed campaigning activity at a local level and a Scottish level.
agenda18_1_25 (1)Download

Health Secretary praises NHS resilience

Services dealing with ‘extraordinary surge’ in flu cases

Health Secretary Neil Gray underlined the ‘resolve and resilience’ of the NHS as he praised the dedication of Scotland’s health and social care workforce in facing up to an ‘extraordinary surge’ in Influenza A cases.

The number of patients admitted to hospital as an emergency and testing positive for flu has surpassed the recent peak of the winter of 2022/23.

Following the latest in a series of meetings with First Minister John Swinney, health boards, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Public Health Scotland and NHS 24 earlier this week, Mr Gray praised the NHS response to the increased pressures on the system, in a statement to parliament.

He also thanked members of the public for continuing to follow guidance on the best way to access services, and for doing their bit to reduce the spread of infections in the community.

He stated that, as of 15 December, more than 1.2 million adult flu vaccinations have been administered. Those eligible to be vaccinated have until March to do so, with many health boards offering drop-in clinics.

Mr Gray said expert healthcare advice is available without the need for an appointment through the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, adding that £13.6 million of additional funding has been invested in General Practices to enable the recruitment and retention of staff.

Services such as Discharge to Assess and Hospital at Home are also key to helping health and social care partnerships to reduce delayed discharges, ensuring people who are clinically ready to leave hospital can do so.

Mr Gray said: “The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of pressures across the health and care sector is inspiring.

“Every part of our health service has gone above and beyond to serve the country during the hardest months of the year.

“I’d like to thank the ambulance service staff for their sacrifice and devotion to their task, staying at work beyond the end of their shift as they wait to turnaround at hospitals.

“I’d also like to thank social care staff doing extra shifts to make up for staff being off sick with flu and GPs working at the weekends to offer appointments and bolster the resilience of the entire system.

“Hospital staff, like the porter I met at St John’s in Livingston on Christmas Eve, are working hard to turnaround beds as quickly as possible.

“This is the reality of public service – relentless, skilled, devoted and dedicated work to serve the people that need it most.

“Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS staff and sure-handed planning, we are facing this with resilience and resolve.”

New Year, Old Challenges?

EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE ANTI-CUTS CONFERENCE

Preliminary Notice of Anti Cuts Conference – Saturday 18th January 2025

Augustine United Church – George IV Bridge Edinburgh

9.30 am – Doors Open – Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

10.00am – 1pm  Conference 

The Conference is being convened by Edinburgh Trade Union Council and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

The purpose of the Conference is to consider how best to fight the social care and health service cuts that are being planned by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).

Crucial budget decisions are going to be made by the Scottish Government and the City Council over the next two or three months which will determine the level of cuts.

The conference will discuss how best to lobby to obtain the resources  needed to meet service demands. This will include the services provided by  the  64 third sector organisations Edinburgh that are threatened with cuts and redundancies.

The conference is open to the public. The agenda will be an introductory session, workshops and a final plenary session. The conference will have input from speakers from the STUC. We will invite a speaker from amongst the Councillors on the EIJB and a speaker representative of Edinburgh community health organisations. 

We hope the conference will be able to draw up a City wide plan for lobbying and campaigning.

More details of the conference will be circulated on Monday 6th January 2025. Any comments or queries in the meantime will be responded to on 23/12/24 and 27/12/24.

Regards,

Des Loughney

Secretary, Edinburgh Trade Union Council

National Care Home Awards 2024 to celebrate independent care home sector in Scotland 

TONIGHT – Friday 15 November 2024, the prestigious National Care Home Awards will take place at the Hilton in Glasgow, offering an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding achievements in the independent care home sector across Scotland.

This event is a vital opportunity to recognise the unwavering dedication of the care home workforce who tirelessly support residents day in and day out. 

Scottish Care, the representative body for independent social care services across Scotland, are the organisers of the event.

This year, the event will be hosted by Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, who will announce the winners across thirteen unique award categories: 
 

  • Ancillary & Support Staff Award 
  • Nutrition & Eating Well Award 
  • Meaningful Activity Award 
  • Training, Learning & Staff Development Award 
  • Emerging Talent Award 
  • Outstanding Achievement Award 
  • Leadership Award 
  • Palliative & End of Life Care Practice Award 
  • Nurse of the Year Award 
  • Care Worker of the Year Award 
  • Specialist Service/Unit of the Year Award 
  • Care Home Service of the Year Award 
  • Care Innovation Award 
     

Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and the co-host of the Awards Ceremony said:   “Care home services and the dedicated individuals who lead them are essential in creating safe, nurturing environments that foster connection, independence, and community for residents.

“They serve as a source of strength and support for thousands across Scotland, making it possible for residents to flourish in the later stages of their lives. It’s crucial that we take the time to recognise the profound contributions of these professionals, who make such an essential impact on people’s lives every single day.

“This awards ceremony is our way of honouring their dedication and celebrating the remarkable work they do.” 

Each year, the awards receive a growing number of nominations from care home staff, service users, relatives, and employers, highlighting the strong support for recognising excellence in the sector. 

The awards ceremony follows a full-day Care Home Conference titled ‘Care Home Revolution – Building Possibility’, which will bring together sector professionals to discuss key topics such as the future of care homes, urban housing, and effective voice. Attendees will participate in various sessions exploring themes like ethical commissioning, inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities, employment law, education and training, digital innovation, Anne’s Law, and international recruitment. 

The National Care Home Awards and Conference represent the largest gathering of the care home sector in Scotland, showcasing best practices and innovations shaping the future of care homes across the country.

Hanover CEO calls for UK budget windfall to fund housing and care

Scottish Government urged to prioritise investment in essential services for older people

HANOVER Scotland’s CEO, Angela Currie, is urging the Scottish Government to allocate part of the new £3.4 billion funding from the UK Budget towards critical investments in social care and housing.

The budget announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves marked a significant increase in devolved funds, and Angela emphasises that a strategic portion of this must be directed towards empowering older adults to live safely and independently.

With a rapidly aging population, Angela warns that overlooking these essential services will only exacerbate existing pressures on Scotland’s healthcare and social systems.

Angela said: “Our first priority must be restoring the adaptation budget to its previous levels. This funding is essential for making homes safer and accessible for older adults.

“Secondly is to close the gap in subsidies for new-build social housing, enabling us to construct more affordable homes.

“Lastly, we need robust investment in social care, which is crucial for supporting our aging communities and preventing undue strain on health services.

“Investing wisely in these areas is not just beneficial but essential for a sustainable and compassionate future.”

Angela highlights that this comprehensive approach will have a long-term impact, reducing the costly burden on the NHS and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

The need for investment is underscored by recent budget cuts that have severely impacted housing adaptation funding. The Scottish Government slashed this budget by 25%, from £11 million to £8.245 million, leaving housing associations like Hanover Scotland in a difficult position.

This reduction means older and disabled residents risk being trapped in unsafe homes or hospital beds, contributing to bed-blocking and intensifying pressure on healthcare services.

Angela said: “The modest investment required to make homes safe pales in comparison to the enormous cost of hospital stays and long-term care.

“Without adequate funding, we risk further overwhelming our health and social care systems.

“Our mission is to empower older adults to live with dignity and independence, but the current funding situation is making that increasingly difficult.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to act now and prioritise social care and housing. This isn’t just about housing; it’s about health, safety, and the wellbeing of our communities.”

Hanover Scotland, which manages more than 4,500 homes, has been a trusted provider of housing for older adults since 1979. The organisation has been at the forefront of innovation, from pioneering sheltered accommodation to participating in urban renewal projects that promote independent living.

Charity chief honoured for leading support of people with learning disabilities

The chief executive of the human rights charity Enable has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for devoting her career to improving the life chances of people with learning disabilities.

Theresa Shearer was presented with the honour during a graduation ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh today [29 October].

During her tenure, Theresa has been credited with helping the charity to inspire public policy development, provide human rights advocacy, build sustainable employment, and deliver human rights-driven health and social care.

Theresa’s work has also been widely recognised, while she provides voluntary support for third sector leadership and governance organisations across the UK and Europe.

In recent years Enable has partnered with Edinburgh Napier University to establish the Breaking Barriers programme.

In conjunction with professional services firm EY, it supports young people with learning disabilities make the transition to university and higher education through a combination of study and work placements.

Fittingly, the latest cohort of Breaking Barriers students received their qualifications during the same ceremony where Theresa was presented with her degree.

Reacting to the award of the honorary doctorate, Theresa said: “It is a real honour to receive an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University, an institution which lives by the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that have inspired and driven me throughout my career.

“From researching the interplay between disability and inclusion, to training and developing the next generation of health and social care professionals, and acting to widen access to university for disabled people as a partner in the Breaking Barriers programme, Edinburgh Napier University is a shining example to organisations and businesses across sectors.

“To be recognised for my contribution to the charity and social care sectors is truly a privilege, and I hope this will emphasise the critical contribution that these sectors make to our economy and society, now and in the future.”

Giving Theresa’s laureation during the graduation ceremony, Professor Jill Stavert, from ENU’s School of Health & Social Care said: “There are so many examples of Theresa’s achievements and her enormous contribution to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities.

“As CEO of Enable Scotland – a charity which supports the human rights of people with learning disabilities – Theresa leads 2,500 staff in supporting 13,000 people to live independently in their community.

“But her influence goes far beyond this role. Theresa’s contribution to executive leadership is recognised nationally and internationally, demonstrating her passion for social care workforce development and empowering young people to realise their potential.”

Councils Withdraw Support for National Care Service Proposals

Council Leaders have withdrawn support for the Scottish Government’s revised National Care Service Bill.

The Bill is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

Though continuing to back key areas of reform, including enhanced support for unpaid carers, care home visitation rights and efforts to improve the experience of the social work and social care workforce, Council Leaders have expressed concern that the amended Bill currently does not reflect a model which Local Government can support.

The decision of Local Government Leaders today comes as several organisations
have expressed doubt on the legislative approach adopted by Scottish Government, including those working across the care sector. Experts have also questioned the evidence for including, within the National Care Service, services which support children and young people.

Commenting, COSLA’s Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Local Government cannot support the amended National Care Service Bill brought forward by Scottish Government.

“Local Government has been committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to develop proposals to deliver a National Care Service, but unfortunately the revised legislation does not effectively represent that partnership.

“Local Government is committed to continuing our engagement with key areas of reform which can deliver improved outcomes for people, unpaid carers and our workforce. We cannot, however, offer our support for the legislation brought forward at this stage”

“It is important that the views of people accessing, working in and planning front-line support services are listened to, both with regards to the NCS legislation and also the improvements needed to overcome the sustained financial and workforce pressures being experienced across Scotland.”

The National Care Service Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on June 20th 2022, and allows for the transfer of a range of social care, social work and community health functions from local authorities to a new centralised body under the direction of Scottish Ministers.

On July 12 2023, Local Government and Scottish Government announced a shared accountability partnership for delivering the National Care Service in an alternative way, with enhanced national strategic direction through the creation of a national NCS Board, but with a continued role for local decision-making and Local Government.

Parliament’s Health Social Care and Sport Committee has sought views on the revised National Care Service Bill. Responses include those from UNISON, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland,  Social Work Scotland, The Promise Scotland. COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson wrote to Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on 17th September 2024, accompanying COSLA’s full evidence submission on the draft, revised NCS Bill.

Senior appointment announced at Cramond Residence

ONE of Scotland’s most premier luxury care homes has revealed it has secured the appointment of a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who is set to bring a wealth of experience to the home.

Richard Annan, 58, has joined Edinburgh-based care home Cramond Residence to help further elevate the homes prestigious status as one of Scotland’s finest residences.

Richard said: “Joining Cramond Residence is an exciting new challenge for me. The home has an outstanding reputation for the best care in class.

“I’m eager to continue to build on the homes success by further improving our resident’s experience during their time with us and I want to ensure that every resident feels at home here, with activities and services tailored to their individual needs.

“It’s vital that residents truly enjoy their time here and we provide their families with peace of mind that they are receiving the best care possible.

“Whether it’s dementia care or general residential living, we want to cater to everyone’s needs and ensure they have a fulfilling experience.

“We have outstanding facilities that cater to all our resident’s needs, from round the clock care to luxurious and spacious rooms as well as a wide range of activities on offer for residents to enjoy. Those who stay with us can expect nothing but the very best.”

With a marketing career spanning 30 years, Richard has since spent the last five years working for some of the UK’s largest care providers working in a number of homes across the country building an impressive track record.

Now, Richard’s key focus is enhancing the activities programme at Cramond Residence, ensuring that all residents—especially those living with dementia—enjoy meaningful and stimulating experiences.

Ross Bijak, General Manager for Cramond Residence said: “Richard’s passion for the care sector, combined with his impressive track record, makes him a perfect fit for Cramond Residence.

“We’re confident that with his arrival the home will continue to grow and provide the highest standards of care for all our residents.”

Cramond Residence combines luxury accommodation with the highest quality of care, offering a unique small-group living experience within its purpose-built, five-star facility.

With a resident-to-staff ratio designed to ensure personalized attention, the residence provides a range of specialised services, including dementia care, to meet the diverse needs of its residents.

The home also uniquely offers post-operative care rehabilitation, recently helping Cramond Residence Charge Nurse, Eileen Crawford, with her recovery after a hip replacement procedure.

Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.

For more information about Cramond Residence, visit: 

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Edinburgh’s Social Care Crisis: Conference Agenda announced

SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER from 10am – 1pm

AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH, GEORGE IV BRIDGE

THE agenda for Saturday’s Edinburgh Social Care Crisis Conference has been announced.

The conference has been convened by Edinburgh Trade Union Council and is sponsored by UNITE Edinburgh Not For Profit Branch,  UNITE City of Edinburgh Council Branch, UNITE Lothian Retired Members Branch, Edinburgh EIS Branch and the Scottish Trades Union Congress.

The conference will be attended by three Edinburgh MSPs: Foysol Choudhury, Sarah Boyack and Daniel Johnson.

Des Loughney, Secretary, Edinburgh Trade Union Council says: “”The conference is open to the public, trade union and community health activists and social care users and paid and unpaid carers.

“There will be a discussion of the impact of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board cuts that are being implemented in this financial year (£55 million).

“We are concerned that prevention services will be cut and that rising demand (mainly due to demographic reasons) will not be met.

“The conference will conclude by a discussion on the way forward in campaigning for more resources for IJBs and how can we lobby for more resources to prevent current damaging cuts.

“We will consider how we can seek to change Scottish Parliament policies in the run up to the 2026 elections.”

ConferenceagendaDownload

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS IN EDINBURGH: EDINBURGH TUC CONFERENCE

SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER from 10am – 1pm

at AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH, GEORGE IV BRIDGE

For further information contact:

EDINBURGH TUC – telephone 0773 491 2536

or email edinburghtradeunioncouncil@gmail.com