A councillor is seeking feedback on Moray Council’s new strategic plan for health and social care.
Councillor Tim Eagle (Conservative – Buckie), a member of the Moray Integration Joint Board, which is responsible for the planning, delivery and resources for health and social care services in the county, is concerned about the implications for persons being cared for at home.
Councillor Eagle said: “There is an increasing drive for people to be cared for at home. This, quite understandably, will be a preferred option for many people, but I wonder if it is always the right option. There are many times when the right care for a short period may be in another setting to ensure patients are rehabilitated to a level where they are not just at home but are thriving in the home.
“I have received feedback from some local people very concerned about a move which emphasis home care over the right care, based on their personal experience. I would welcome feedback from other people who have experience of the system.”
“The integration joint board’s plan does recognise that care at home is only a part of the process. However I would like to understand more about what people really feel about homecare and the effect that moving more in this direction could have on local hospitals or current service delivery.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston echoed Councillor Eagle’s concerns. He said: “It is crucial that a lack of finance does not cause vulnerable people to find themselves at home before they are ready.
“It is very important that a person’s preferences should be taken into account as care is best provided in a setting that is appropriate for the individual.
“We all know that Moray Council and NHS Grampian have, for years, received poor financial settlements from the Scottish Government. The new strategic plan has to put patients first, rather than bridge a gap caused by years of underfunding.”
