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Audit Scotland report calls for long term care improvements |
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Thursday, 16 August 2007 |
An Audit Scotland report looking at the care of patients with long term chronic illnesses has called for the NHS to better target resources, further develop community-based services and drive a national strategy to build a joined-up system of care.
The report, "Managing Long Term Conditions" finds that care for people with chronic illnesses is improving but the health service, councils and the Scottish Executive need to do more, and it also finds that patients want better information about their conditions and more say in their own care.
The report says that a lack of information about costs and activity means many decisions on the use of resources are made with limited evidence about what works for patients, which the NHS and councils need to urgently address in order to meet its aims of effectively developing more services based in the community.
Audit Scotland director of public reporting Barbara Hurst said: “Care for people with chronic illnesses is improving but there is more that the Scottish Executive, the NHS and councils can do. There have been many improvements in various clinical areas in different parts of Scotland. However these are often local projects, driven by local need or enthusiasm rather than by a national strategy. The Scottish Executive, health boards and councils need to do more to make improvements nation-wide and to create joined-up services.
“The NHS and councils should try to get a better understanding of the true cost and the scale and types of activity in this area so they can better plan how to develop services and target resources. This is an area of particular priority given that demographic changes mean that there are likely to be more people living with long-term conditions.”
It is estimated about a million people in Scotland have at least one long-term condition. In the UK it is estimated that people with long-term conditions account for 80 per cent of all GP consultations and for more than 60 per cent of hospital bed days. Scotland’s ageing population means the numbers of people with chronic illnesses is expected to rise markedly over the next 20 years, as the prevalence of many long-term conditions increases with age.
One person has commented on this article. 1. Audit Scotland report
Patricia Wheelan, Unregistered I have read with interest your report on caring for people who require long term care. I have given up full time work to care for my husband who suffers from Parkinson's Disease and now Alzheimers'. He has sustained several falls in the house and is now doubly incontinent.I was made aware that John would be eligible for funding for an adaption to the house to meet his needs.The bathroom is located upstairs and he is not able to negotiate the stairs. I have submitted all the necessary forms to the council almost a year ago and have opted for the minimum 50% grant.I have also put aside my retirement pension monies to fund the build.I have been waiting for almost a year and have tried to contact the council concerning timescales.I was told this week by two occupational therapists who visited me that there are currently 250 families waiting and that they the council have given permission for 10 builds to go ahead. This is most unsatisfactory.Barrhead talks about care in the community but I do think that vulnerable people like my husband and many more people with Alzheimer's who cannot speak up for themselves are very low on their list.I have been given a commode for my husband to use in the hall.Even prisoners are not asked to slop out. Where is the regard for peoples' dignity and worth as human beings? Does it end at 6 0plus. I am sorry for the length of this e-mail but I write because I and many others like me feel how unfair this present system is and it is virtually impossible to discuss with the Powers that be any sort of outcome. Meanwhile I struggle on and must praise my local Alzheimer's Centre for the excellent care they provide for my husband 2 days a week.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 August 2007 )
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