Responses to a consultation on the Scottish National Care Service show ‘huge enthusiasm’ for changing the way we deliver support and services for people who use community health and social care in Scotland.
Almost 1,300 responses were received from a wide range of individuals and organisations, after SNP Government Ministers sought views on plans for the biggest reform of public services since the creation of the National Health Service.
A significant proportion of the responses came from individuals with lived experience, or bodies that represent them. The social care workforce are also well represented in the responses, along with providers, all of whom see much room for improvement.
The public consultation represented the first phase of engagement for the National Care Service programme. Moving forward it will be critical to have lived experience and co-design at the heart to ensure that we deliver for the needs of people.
Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart MSP said:
“I am pleased so many individuals and organisations responded with huge enthusiasm to the consultation on the National Care Service, and I’d like to thank all of them for taking part. It is clear there is a real hunger for change, and many areas where the system can be improved, and that people want to see this change happen as quickly as possible. We will take all the views on board and I will publish an independent analysis of the responses shortly.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“As per the commitment in the manifesto and the Programme for Government, the SNP Government is committed to delivering a National Care Service by the end of this parliament.
“This very useful consultation has been a crucial first step to help shape this comprehensive community health and social care service to promots quality and consistency of care and provides support for all.
“In the meantime, the SNP Government is enhancing Scotland’s social care services with an investment of £300 million to help deal with winter pressures, and we’re determined to go further.”
ENDS
