Aberdeen care backlog leaves 66 people at risk

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 06/02/2013 00:50

AN ABERDEEN MSP has called for a Scottish Government investigation into revelations that the city council is facing a backlog crisis of more than 60 vulnerable people waiting for care-at-home services.

A total of 66 elderly and disabled people, assessed as requiring essential care, are still on the council’s waiting list.

And it has been revealed that Valerie Watts, the council’s chief executive, had to personally intervene to ensure a disabled pensioner received care after worried family members contacted local councillors to express serious concerns.

Yesterday, Kevin Stewart, the SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said he had written to health secretary Alex Neil, calling on the Scottish Government to investigate Aberdeen’s care services before the backlog crisis turns into a tragedy.

Mr Stewart said one of his constituents had been left for weeks receiving only one meal a day and water from representatives of her local church.