LOCAL MSP SEEKS ASSURANCES FOR LINLITHGOW CARE HOME RESIDENTS
Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow has written urgently to West Lothian Council’s Chief Executive urging the Council to provide reassurances to residents and their families at Southern Cross Care Homes in the Linlithgow Constituency following recent concerns about the Southern Care Business. She also raised the issue when she and other MSPs met with NHS Lothian on Friday June 3rd.
There are three care homes in West Lothian which are owned by Southern Cross; Linlithgow Nursing Home, Middleton Hall Care Home and Redmill Care Home in East Whitburn. NHS Lothian and Wet Lothian Council are due to meet today (Monday 6th June) to discuss practical contingency plans which ensure a continued quality of care.
Commenting, Ms Hyslop said;
“I have been told officers in Social Policy are working hard to draw up a full contingency plan, should any problems arise. Clearly the residents’ families will want them to remain in comfortable, familiar surroundings.
“I was disappointed by the allegations made by Labour’s Neil Findlay MSP and Jackie Baillie MSP, which have completely misrepresented the position of West Lothian Council causing worry for the residents and their families. The First Minister at questions in Parliament said ‘The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Scottish Care and the relevant local authorities are ready to ensure continuity of care for the residents concerned if Southern Cross moves into administration. The care of vulnerable residents in Southern Cross homes will not be compromised as a result of Southern Cross’s business model being in trouble.’”
“West Lothian Council are deeply committed to the welfare of its vulnerable and elderly community. I visited Linlithgow’s Southern Cross Care Home in April this year and will continue to keep a very close interest in all three Care Homes.”
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