Hello Mrs Robison

A few months ago I wrote to Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport.  To be honest I didn't expect a reply, but there it was sitting in my inbox.  Shona was more than happy to meet and chat about the future of Health and Social Care in Scotland.

So this Wednesday saw me unconsciously humming the Simon and Garfunkel tune "Mrs Robinson" as I approached the Scottish Parliament.  I know the spelling is different but I just couldn't get it out of my head.

If you haven't been to see the Scottish Parliament, then I would recommend a visit.  Fans of design, architecture or history won't be disappointed.

I was brought back to reality by a full body scan, and my clothes and belongings being x rayed. My visit to parliament looked to be over before it had begun as I was pulled aside by security.   A thorough search and a few minutes later revealed the culprit. It turned out to be nothing more than a car remote.  Que the music.


Shona and her team were welcoming, informed and interested to hear what Nataly and I had to say on behalf of staff, families and service users.  They understood the dilemmas faced by all of us and were taking action to improve the Health and Social Care provision in Scotland.

Some of the areas we discussed included:

• How we could improve provision to allow people to receive support in their own homes rather than be admitted to hospital.

• Raising the profile of the sector to encourage people to choose Health and Social Care as a career.

• Creating a single set of training standards for staff across the country, irrespective if they work in the community, NHS or care home.

• How Social Care Alba can become involved in new developments within Health and Social Care
• Accessing training resources from the NHS

• The imminent merger of Health and Social Care from April 1st.

We left with the promise of more information and details of how we could be more involved in shaping the future of Health and Social Care in Scotland.  I will keep you updated on how we take some of the ideas forward and how you can get involved.

Stephen