Carer shares views with politicians
CARERS from Inverclyde say their concerns are being taken seriously by the Scottish Parliament.
Eric Baxter • Published 13 Oct 2012 14:00
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HELPING CARERS: Christina Boyd and Duncan McNeil MSP at the Carers Parliament.
CARERS from Inverclyde say their concerns are being taken seriously by the Scottish Parliament.
The first ‘Carers Parliament’ took place at Holyrood attended by carers from Shetland to Dumfries.
Greenock carer Christina Boyd said ministers, MSPs, senior doctors and heads of social work all listened to the challenges that are faced by carers who also outlined the changes needed to improve their lives and the lives of those they care for.
Ms Boyd said: “The Carers Parliament shows that issues facing Scottish carers are being taken seriously and it gave us a chance to tell the people at the top what really matters.
“We often feel ignored and think that politicians and professionals make decisions without considering our point of view.”
She added: “I hope the Carers Parliament will help to change all that.
“It gave us a focus, and we were able to talk to the real decision-makers and tell them what works for us and what doesn’t.”
Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil led a workshop discussing how health and social services can work more closely together in his capacity as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s health and sport committee.
He said: “Carers have to be at the heart of the decision-making process when it comes to the help and support on offer to them and their loved ones.
“They do the job day in and day out, and they know what they need better than anyone.”
He added: “Joining up health and social care is the way forward.
“We’re already well on our way to that here in Inverclyde and I’m keen for other areas to learn from our experience.
“Carers deserve comprehensive, one-stop-shop support and shouldn’t be passed from pillar to post.”
Among those attending the Carers Parliament were Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil, Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson and representatives from COSLA, the Association of Community Health Partnerships, NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and the Association of Directors of Social Work.
http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news
