Tag Archives: Scotland

‘Give patients smartphones’ call

May 4, 2012   Carers, Scotland, telecare
Mobile phone apps are expected to be used increasingly by the health service
4 May 2012 Last updated at 06:26
 Giving cheap smartphones to patients living in remote and rural areas has been suggested as a way of providing faster and more cost effective care.

App designer Geoff Wilcock told BBC Radio Scotland’s Out of Doors programme it would give people access to software that could be created for the NHS.

Mr Wilcox said apps could aid in consultations and cut waiting times.

The Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare said patients expected greater use of technology.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) held a workshop on mobile phone applications last month.

The agency said that by 2014 it was expected that some 77 billion apps will have been downloaded from the Android and Apple phone markets.

Mr Wilcock, who took part in the workshop, said the NHS could provide patients with low-cost smartphones.

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Parties contest social care ahead of local elections in Scotland

May 3, 2012   Carers, Scotland

“Carers deserve this help and they need it now.”

 

A commitment to driving up social care standards has been among the key issues embraced by parties in Scotland, as communities place their votes in the local elections today.

 

Ruling party the SNP last week launched a ‘mini-manifesto’ that showcased the party’s dedication to “Scotland’s unsung heroes”. The mini-manifesto announced support for the appointment of Carers’ Champions, whose role will be focused on bridging the gap between carers and local councils to ensure the sector’s professionals are better supported.

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Cash care system should be paying off

April 30, 2012   Carers, Multiple Sclerosis, Older care, Scotland

It’s been a bad week for the caring reputation of the state.

 

Lesley Riddoch:

Published on Monday 30 April 2012 00:00

 

A scheme exists for disabled, old or longterm sick to order their own care but many councils make it hard to use, writes Lesley Riddoch

It’s been a bad week for the caring reputation of the state.

A Sunday paper carried the story of a Scottish multiple sclerosis sufferer bedridden for two years after being discharged from hospital with bed sores. The 56-year-old Gourock woman was given a specially adapted bed (crammed into her own dining room) but no cure, compensation, physiotherapy or apparent caring support from anyone but her 80-year-old mother.

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