Free personal and nursing care in Scotland

In: European view: EV, Band 7, Heft 2, S. 297-302

Abstract

Providing care for the elderly requires particular coordination in Britain, where the seats of government at Westminster and Holyrood differ at times on the National Health Service's responsibilities. This article details the review of the implementation of the policy of Free Personal Care in Scotland published by the Scottish Government in April 2008, which focused on demographic projections and public funding. The Royal Commission found that demography projections were faulty and, consequently, public funding inadequate. It recommended stricter accountability as well as a longer term political vision. Only with a broader vision can the NHS plan for the changing nature of society and the inevitable consequences.