Call for summit to address ‘care crisis’

Acall for asummitto tackle a growing “care crisis” was made last night after it emerged more than 110 vulnerable and elderly people are stuck on a waiting list for essential services.

The opposition SNP group in Aberdeen wants to bring all local social care and health agencies together, arguing that cur- rent plans to address the problem are “failing”.

ThePressandJournal revealed on Friday that a backlog of people assessed as requiring essential care at home services has nearly doubled in the past six months.

Concerns were raised in February when about 60 people were on the list, but that rose to 114 by August 5, with a further 69 described as not getting the full level of care they need.

SNP social care and well- being spokesman Jim Kiddie said he was appalled that the situation has escalated to such an extent.

He said: “It is unbeliev- able that these figures have almost doubled since February.

“Vulnerable people who need care are being left to fend for themselves. This has to be resolved, and quickly.

“This administration is failing to take this matter seriously and all their promises to deal with it have come to nothing.

“The situation is now much worse and current plans are failing, so it is essential that people are brought together in an open forum to find solutions.”

The figures were given to Mr Kiddie in a letter from council chief executive Valerie Watts, obtained by the Press and Journal.

Mrs Watts said additional resources have been directed at the council’s inhouse care at home service, with recruitment and training efforts increased.

She added: “Care is provided on the basis of priority need, personal circumstances and management of risk, so some people will wait for a longer time than others.

“In some instances, peo- ple have been waiting for a number of months with their situation kept under review, while others receive care within days.”

Len Ironside, social care and wellbeing convener, said the Labour-led administration has invested £3million in the sector this year.

Headded:“This constant carping from the SNP is only going to alarm people. It is bad for the city and bad for the people who run our services.” ness and conservation courses.

Turning Point Scotland’s services in Moray and Aberdeenshire include Northern Horizons in Peterhead and Banff, Studio 8 and Greyfriars Close in Elgin and Pitstop in Fraserburgh.

The charity also runs two Rosie’s social enterprises in Aberdeen city centre, which include a cafe/takeaway, craft and gift shop, a framers and wedding stationery service, and support people recovering from mental ill-health to getback into employment.

One of the organisers of the golf day, Andy Gray, of NCS Survey, said: “I am delighted we can support Turning Point Scotland’s services in Aberdeen city and shire to provide extra benefits to the people they support.”

Newburgh Golf Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.