Cross-Party Group Formed to Address Highlands Social Care Crisis

A significant conference addressing the adult social care crisis in the Highlands resulted in the formation of a cross-party working group aimed at finding solutions. The Highland Care Conference, co-hosted by Angus MacDonald, MP for Skye, and Kate Forbes, MSP, took place on March 15, 2024, in Fort William. The event gathered health and social care professionals, NHS Highland staff, local councillors, and sector leaders to explore the pressing challenges in rural care delivery.

The conference followed Mr. MacDonald’s report highlighting alarming trends in the Highland care sector. The report pointed out that the region has lost nearly one in five care homes for older people over the past decade, coinciding with a more than 70 percent increase in the population aged 75 and over. During his address, Mr. MacDonald emphasized the human and financial ramifications of inaction, noting that over £154 million has been lost due to delayed hospital discharges in the last decade.

He stated, “Families will continue to face heartbreak as loved ones are sent hundreds of miles from home because there’s simply nowhere local to go. That’s not dignity, and it’s not sustainable.” To combat these issues, Mr. MacDonald reiterated his call for the Scottish Government to invest in four new 60-bed “care clusters” with on-site staff accommodation in Skye, Fort William, Ullapool, and Fort Augustus. These integrated facilities would provide residential and respite care, step-down beds, and housing for staff, aiming to alleviate delayed discharges and enhance the local workforce.

Experts Weigh In on Care Challenges

The Highland Care Conference featured contributions from leading experts, including Professor Andy Elder and Doctor Donald Macaskill, both local NHS Highland doctors, along with representatives from NHS Education for Scotland. Discussions revolved around critical issues such as workforce recruitment and retention, funding reform, and the necessity for long-term planning in rural care.

The conference also addressed how to elevate the status of older people and social work in society. Doctor Macaskill pointed out the “endemic age discrimination in the UK,” which further complicates efforts to improve social care. Mr. MacDonald added, “We can’t go on patching things up year by year and firefighting the issue. We already knew 15 years ago that we would face far greater demand for care beds, yet capacity has fallen by 20 percent.”

He expressed urgency regarding the situation, stating that failing to act now would let down current and future generations. “Getting this right in the Highlands means getting it right for Scotland as a whole. Tackling the crisis will require collaboration across all levels of government and political consensus,” he noted.

Commitment to Future Solutions

In response to Mr. MacDonald’s advocacy, the Scottish Government has committed to supporting the newly formed working group. This initiative aims to gather input from local authorities, care providers, and community members to devise a coordinated approach for future care planning.

Mr. MacDonald emphasized the wealth of ideas and expertise available but stressed the need for enhanced coordination and commitment. “The Highlands can lead the way in rethinking rural care – but only if the Scottish Government steps up. There’s no shortage of compassion or commitment, only a shortage of joined-up action. If we can build a sustainable model of care here, we can build it anywhere. The time to act is now,” he asserted.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes echoed this sentiment, highlighting the conference as a crucial step toward addressing the challenges facing adult social care in the Highlands. She expressed gratitude for the “constructive discussions” and the insights provided by leading professionals.

“There was a recognition among us that the pressures on recruitment and resources are significant, but there was also a clear shared determination to find long-term and practical solutions,” she stated. Ms. Forbes committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that everyone in the community can access the high-quality care and support they deserve.