An Independent Review by Lord Sutherland into free personal & nursing care in Scotland
Scotland has acted as something of a test ground for this new approach to paying for long-term care; it has not been without its challenges but the new Scottish Government has stated its commitment to securing the Free Personal & Nursing Care (FPNC) policy for the longer term and in doing so, to ensuring it is implemented properly and fairly across the country. Despite some practical difficulties in its formative years, the FPNC policy remains popular and has worked well in the largest part, delivering better outcomes for Scotland's older people.
Our recommendations are intended to address the early difficulties, secure improvements in the quality of life and care experience for our older people and to bring to bear greater certainty and transparency (both in respect of the resources underpinning the policy and in respect of the entitlement of individuals).
In the Summer of 2007 Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, approached Lord Sutherland to ask him to lead an independent review of the funding for free personal and nursing care. On September 3, 2007 Lord Sutherland chaired the 1st meeting of the independent review group and the final meeting was held on April 4, 2008. The Independent Review published it's findings, in a report, on April 28, 2008. Agendas & Notes of meetings of the Independent Review are contained in this special section of the Health & Community Care website hosted for the Review by the Scottish Government. You can also find details of evidence submitted to the Group and other background information and links to the research it had regard to.
Independent Review of Free Personal & Nursing Care, in Scotland.