Panel appointed to improve Scottish elderly care

The role nurses and other professionals play in caring for the elderly is set to be assessed by an independent panel of experts, under new Scottish government plans.

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray has created the group to establish core issues that need to be addressed, ahead of putting forward proposals for reform.

The panel will be chaired by Sir John Arbuthnott, with the plans intended to bring an end to the perceived variation in the quality of care in different parts of the country.

Mr Gray told the Scotsman: “Just as our predecessors rose to the challenge of the last century and created the NHS, we must rise to the challenge of the twenty-first century and ensure our elderly and disabled citizens receive the social care they need.”

Scotland’s public health minister Shona Robison recently praised the efforts of carers over the past few weeks, who have managed to fulfil their jobs despite the hindrance of extreme weather and snow.