Care Reform (Scotland) Bill passed

The Scottish Parliament have approved the Care Reform Scotland Bill. While more limited in scope than initial plans for a National Care Service, the Bill covers:

• enshrining Anne’s Law into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter

• strengthening support for unpaid carers by establishing a legal right to breaks, following the additional £13 million already allocated for up to 40,000 carers to take voluntary sector short breaks

• empowering people to access information on their care and improving the flow of information across care settings

• improving access to independent advocacy to guarantee people are heard and involved in decisions about their own care

• creating a National Chief Social Work Adviser role to provide professional leadership and champion the sector, as part of plans for a new National Social Work Agency.

The Scottish Government press release is here.

And you can find out more about the Bill here.