Former Scottish Cabinet minister and Lothian MSP Angela Constance calls for views on National Care Service

ALMOND Valley SNP MSP and former Cabinet minister Angela Constance is asking care home staff, residents and relatives to give their views on the idea of an NHS-style National Care Service amid concerns about problems with the current system highlighted by Covid.

And she called on the Scottish Government to order an urgent report on the issue before next year’s elections.

Ms Constance has raised questions during the pandemic about standards of care and poor performance in care homes, particularly in the private sector.

She said: “I believe the coronavirus pandemic has shown why it’s vital that we establish a National Care Service. While this would be a bold reform, it is necessary. The question is no longer whether there should be a National Care Service, but how it should be established, commissioned, and operated.

“After speaking out against profiteering in the care home sector I received many emails and phone calls from people across the country.

“With much to learn from the pandemic it’s imperative that in any bold reform we take the people with us.”

She said integration of health and social care had brought a number of benefits, and the creation of a National Care Service was the logical next step.

“Therefore, I am issuing a national call for evidence and views on how we make a National Care Service a reality.

“I want to ensure the voices of those with real life experience is heard and we benefit from real life expertise about what matters and what works.

“Clearly legislative change would be needed, so I am calling for the Scottish Government to undertake and conclude an in-depth and detailed report before the 2021 elections.”Anyone with views can email Ms Constance at [email protected] or comment on her website.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director