Scotland news round up June 2022
Work is ongoing on the National Care Service. The Scottish Government have published an analysis of the findings of the National Care Service consultation. National Care Service: consultation analysis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). In January the Scottish Government contracted KPMG to develop business cases and operating models and further public engagement is anticipated over the summer.
A summary of the consultation responses on Scotland becoming a Fair Work Nation have highlighted the low pay and working conditions in social care. The responses included a recognition that sectors that are heavily funded by the Government, like social care, may need finanical support in order to implement 'fair work practices' but also calls for Government procurement to strengthen clauses about working conditions.
The findings of the consultation on the Adult support and protection Code of Practice and Guidance have been published; the Scottish Government is now finalising the code of practice and guidance.
Homecare has received a few mentions in questions to Ministers in the Scottish Parliament over recent weeks, including about the need for action on fuel allowances and the need to address waiting lists for homecare. Paul O'Kane also asked the First Minister to invest in social care (including pay rates for careworkers of £15 per hour) to address delayed hospital discharge.
Concerns have been raised that the Scottish Government's new Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness does not contain social care representation.
A new advisory panel to support the development of dementia policy is to include people with dementia.
£3.6 million is being provided to expand hospital at home services. This should allow Health and Social Care Partenrships to provide more services like oxygen and intravenous drips in people's own homes.
The Highest Risk List (formerly Shielding List) is to formally close now taht the risk of hospitalisation due to COVID has been substantially reduced for most people via vaccinations and the availability of new treatments.
A siginficant new plan for implementing improvements to care services for children and young people has been proposed, covering foster care, children and young people's hearings, and the use of restraint in residential and secure care.
The latest statistics on Local Government Finance are now available, showing, Education and Social Care as the largest spend areas.
Plans are also progressing on developing new benefits for carers (with the Carers Assistance payment consultation now complete) and disabled people (with the Adult Disability Payment being piloted) under Scotland's new Social Security system.
The Care Inspectorate have completed a consultation into unpaid carers experiences of social work and social care. A report is expected in August.
Care Inspectorate have published their Corporate Plan 2022-25.
The NHS are conducting a survey for everyone working in health and care on how to build digital skills and improve confidence with technology. Digital_Survey.
A new video explaining the 'Eyes and Ears' pocket guide has now been developed - this encourages homecare workers to make sure that people access the appropriate healthcare and support when there are changes in their presentation.
The Scottish Social Services Council have launched a new careers website outlining job roles and career pathways. You can find out more here.
Applications are open for the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP). The programme is for experienced health and care professionals who have an interest in digital health and care, a passion to increase the use of technology for the benefit of service users and determination to develop their leadership skills.