MSP's proposal to set up new commissioner for older people role

dailyrecord.co.uk:

South Scotland Labour List MSP, Colin Smyth, is to bring forward a bill to the Scottish Parliament to create a dedicated commissioner for older people in Scotland.At present, children and young people have standalone commissioners in each of the four nations of the UK, including Scotland, while Wales and Northern Ireland have commissioners for the older people.Mr Smyth plans to bring forward a bill to create a similar post for Scotland.He said: “Covid-19 had a profound impact on all our lives but for older people it was just devastating.“A day rarely went past at the height of the pandemic without a constituent raising with me their heart-breaking experiences of not having access to their loved ones in a care home because we couldn’t get our act together over testing; the removal of social care packages; the pressure of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation decisions; the loneliness and isolation and the appalling death rate among those in later life.“I even remember phoning a local factory who I knew used PPE to ask if they could give some to a local care home who feared running out.“Even now I get so many cases every day from constituents whose older relatives are stuck in hospital because we don’t have enough carers and suitable housing for them to go home to.“I think we will look back on that dark period with a sense of shame at the way so many older people were let down.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is