Thousands ‘Missing Out’ On Care Cash

Thousands of people in Scotland could be paying for their healthcare when the NHS should be footing the bill, a BBC investigation has found. Health Ombudsman Eric Drake said the situation was unacceptable and urged ministers to overhaul the guidelines on paying for care after leaving hospital.

{mosimage}These guidelines were changed in England 10 years ago but have have never been updated in Scotland. A review was launched three years ago, but has not been completed.

Now Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon wants the study to be finished as a matter of urgency.

A survey for BBC Scotland’s Frontline programme estimated that up to 20,000 people in care homes north of the border could be missing out on NHS funding.

More than 90% of those in care homes surveyed for the programme would have qualified for funding under the English guidelines. These were brought in following a landmark court ruling on payment for long-term care.