MORE than two-thirds of Scots would back a national care service, according to a new poll.
The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Socialist Party, asked if people want a national care service like the NHS to be “free at the point of need, paid for out of general taxation, publicly owned and run with facilities regularly inspected to ensure they are fit for the 21st century”.
Those polled were asked to place their support on a scale of one to 10, where one is “not at all supportive” and 10 is “wholly supportive”.
A clear majority, 69%, put themselves at between seven and 10. The figure was 73% for women.
Last year, announcing an independent review into how the social care system could be reformed, Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs a national care service could be a “lasting and positive legacy” from the Covid-19 crisis.
That review is due to be published this month.
Scotland’s care homes have suffered during the pandemic.
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Figures released by the National Records of Scotland on Wednesday revealed that of the 7448 deaths involving Covid, 38% were in care homes.
SSP spokesman Colin Fox said a national care service would need to be “paid for by everyone out of our taxes”.
He added: “That way we ensure it is a truly national service. We see that service being publicly owned and run with nobody taking whopping profits out of it and running off to the Cayman Islands tax haven like the biggest private provider presently does. Only then can we ensure that the quality of care provided is as people demand and those who deliver it are also properly rewarded.
“These figures bear out what the Scottish Socialist Party have been arguing for some time.
“The current model of residential care is not fit for purpose. The people of Scotland agree with us that the system must be comprehensively overhauled.
“All political leaders need to get the message that this very much an idea whose time has come.”
Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “It is not surprising that people in Scotland support the creation of a national care service, free at the point of need.
“Scotland needs a new way of delivering social care that doesn’t undervalue workers. Scottish Labour will create a national care service that provides dignity for all.”
SNP MSP Shona Robison said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us of the vital importance of social care services, but it has also underlined the need for reform and improvement of those services – which is why the Scottish Government’s commitment to examining the idea of a national care service is welcome.
“That review must also consider the needs, rights and preferences of people who use services, their families, and their carers.”
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