The revised plans for the National Care Service in Scotland place a strong emphasis on establishing a dedicated advisory board, supporting unpaid carers, and ensuring that care home residents have the right to see their loved ones.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd has outlined the next steps for reform to Parliament, following a pause in the progress of the National Care Service Bill in November 2024 for further consideration.
A significant development in these plans is the creation of a new non-statutory advisory board. This board will include individuals with lived experience of accessing care, social care workers, care providers, trade unions, the NHS, and local government. Its purpose is to provide guidance and drive improvements within the sector, with the first meeting expected to take place in the spring.
Anne’s Law, which upholds the rights of care home residents to be visited by family or friends, will remain a key component of the legislation. Additionally, the Bill will introduce a right to breaks for unpaid carers, recognizing their invaluable contribution to Scotland’s communities.
The Scottish Government Bill also aims to enhance information-sharing across health settings, enabling individuals to access and manage their care information more effectively. Furthermore, it will advance plans for a national social work partnership, ensuring a more coordinated approach to social care.
Minister Todd emphasised the urgent need for meaningful and sustainable change in the social care sector. She highlighted the advisory board's role in ensuring that those with lived experience are at the heart of the reform process, allowing for quicker implementation of vital changes.
The Bill will legally guarantee that adult care home residents have the right to see their loved ones through the implementation of Anne’s Law. It also acknowledges the significant role of unpaid carers by introducing a right to breaks. Enhanced information-sharing will improve the coordination of care, and the sector will work collaboratively to future-proof social work services in Scotland.
These actions are designed to deliver sustainable change to social care, ensuring that improvements are implemented as swiftly as possible.
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