Pressures on Stirling's health and social care system have seen residents in rural communities left without support.
Dwindling staffing levels are said to have led to residents in Killin being left without care since last week.
It’s understood that people who can’t get help from family or friends have been left bedbound as care packages have been reduced.
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) says that it is aware of “workforce capacity issues” in the area.
A HSCP spokesperson said: “We are aware of the workforce capacity issues the local provider is experiencing in the area. These pressures are not unique to Killin and are being faced in the care sector across the country.
“We are actively working with the provider, families and the local community to ensure people are safe and have the care they need.
“A range of actions are being progressed to improve the situation, including a planned local recruitment campaign for Clackmannanshire and Stirling.
“We are not aware of anyone who was due to receive care who has been left unsupported and care continues to be provided in the area with the help of families and the local community. We would encourage anyone with knowledge of those who do need support to get in touch via 01786 404040.”
One MSP has written to the HSCP about the current state of the service and what plans are in place to address the mounting pressures.
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Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Dean Lockhart wrote to Annemargaret Black, Chief Officer of Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integrated Joint Board.
In the letter, he wrote: ‘I am very aware that the capacity to deliver frontline care and support services is facing significant pressure at present. I understand that capacity to provide these vital services has been greatly reduced and that special measures are required to be introduced to address these issues. I have no doubt that the Health and Social Care Partnership have plans in place to address the situation but I am greatly concerned that, despite your best efforts, demand for essential care services will out strip the capacity to deliver them.’
Mr Lockhart this week said: “There are huge pressures mounting. Everyone involved is working extremely hard to deliver these vital services but they are facing a monumental task. I have asked for full details of how the care and support needed can be provided.”
The MSP also says that there will be delays in hospital patients who require further home care being discharged. He added: “I’m also concerned that there will be delays in people being able to come home from hospital, that is not good for them or for the number of beds that are available for other patients, especially as we head into the Winter months.”
Trossachs and Teith ward councillor, Martin Earl, whose ward includes Killin, said: “There’s just not enough trained people to deliver the care that’s needed, especially in our rural areas like Killin.
“I know the staff available are doing everything they can and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all of us. Short-term fixes are not sustainable and are leaving people without support they need to lead a dignified life at home. Until this profession is valued for what it is – a vital and skilled job – then we will keep facing the same problems.”
- Have you been left dealing with the effects of mounting pressures on the care system? We'd love to hear from you. Email Chris.Marzella@reachplc.com
