Our manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election
The BGS has published a manifesto for the Scottish Parliament election outlining how an incoming Scottish Government can better support older people. This election comes at an extraordinary time for the health service and for Scotland.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for the entire nation and even more so for older people. 90% of deaths involving COVID-19 have occurred in people over the age of 65 and the virus has been particularly overwhelming in care homes. On a more positive note, vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed very quickly and are being rolled out across the country, bringing hope that the worst of the pandemic is over.
The impact of the pandemic will however be longer lasting, with large numbers of people suffering the long-term effects of COVID and probably even larger numbers of older people who will have deconditioned as a result of lockdown or will be presenting with illnesses in later stages than otherwise would be expected. The pressure on the health and social care system is likely to be significant over the coming months and years. The incoming Scottish Government has an opportunity to build back better and to ensure that the legacy of the pandemic in Scotland is an improved health and social care service and a Scotland that is the best place in the world in which to grow old.
In order to achieve this, we call on the incoming Scottish Government to prioritise the following areas:
- Implementing the recommendations of the adult social care review
- Well-resourced multidisciplinary teams to carry out Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
- Reducing inequality
- Prioritising independence and healthy ageing
- Recognising the need for rehabilitation
- Workforce recovery post-COVID
To download a copy of the full manifesto, please click here.