Scottish Care notes the decision of the First Minister to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport.
We would like to put on record our appreciation of the work of Ms Shona Robison. In challenging times she has sought to engage and include the independent care sector recognising the critical and central role social care and its workforce play in the health and well-being of our citizens. We wish her well in the future.
We welcome the appointment of Ms Jeanne Freeman to her new position. Scottish Care has supported the development of the Social Security legislation and has commended the emphasis on the principles of control, choice and human rights which lie at the centre of that Act. We believe that core principles of equal treatment and human rights should be at the heart of all integrated health and care provision. We look forward to working with the new Cabinet Secretary in advancing the care and support of older people, not least through quality Care Home, Care at Home and Housing Support services.
We are also pleased to see the appointment of a Minister for Older People: a new post which Scottish Care believes will be important in driving forward the progress we have been calling for in recognising, valuing and supporting older people in Scotland. We are delighted to see that older people have been prioritised in the reshuffle and we look forward to working with Ms Shirley-Anne Somerville in ensuring that Scotland is a positive country to grow old in.
