Ministers must listen to and act upon what people with cancer are saying
Alison Johnstone, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, today expressed concern as the first ever Scottish cancer patient experience survey showed that only half of patients needing care at home reported getting enough support.
Overall perceptions of care were very positive, with 87 per cent of patients saying they were always treated with dignity and respect, and 72 per cent saying there were always or nearly always
enough nurses on duty to care for them.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
"While it's welcome to hear that in most cases patients are satisfied with the care they receive, there is clearly still work to be done. Of those who need care at home, it's a concern that only half say they are getting enough support, and similarly only half of those at home after treatment are receiving enough care.
“It's incredibly important that Scottish Ministers listen to and act upon what people with cancer are saying about their experience. It is clear that greater investment is required to provide appropriate levels of care at home. Greens want to see a real living wage paid in the care sector so we can address recruitment and retention, and ensure adequate staffing to meet demand."