Question reference: S6W-20840
- Asked by: Michelle Thomson, MSP for Falkirk East, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 24 August 2023
-
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 14 September 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how its recent statutory Guidance on the Provision of Equipment and Adaptations will assist in the delivery of enhanced patient care and a successful wellbeing economy.
Answer
One of the key principles of the Guidance on the Provision of Equipment and Adaptations is to ensure that people are able to access support at the point they feel they need it, including for advice and signposting. Fair and consistent access to suitable assessments should be available on a non-discriminating, tenure neutral and human rights basis.
The timely provision of equipment and adaptations can reduce risk and injury, help with people’s confidence and their mental well-being, and may prevent unnecessary admission to hospital or care settings.
It is also a cost-effective solution which can contribute significantly to the streamlining of service responses and pathways, and support wider agendas including, hospital discharge and avoidance of admission, prevention and early intervention, frailty pathways, Anticipatory Care Planning, Mental Health & Dementia, child development, and the management of long-term conditions, including end of life care.
These interventions can allow people to do more for themselves and avoid the need for additional, more expensive, input from other services, and compliments rehabilitation intervention, for people of all ages.