School of Social and Political Science

Description

Background: During the pandemic, care home residents were separated from their families for months. This had a devastating impact on their wellbeing and in many cases contributed to a steep decline in health. A major University of Edinburgh study into the impact of lockdown also found that it caused severe distress to the families of care home residents.

Anne’s Law, announced by the Scottish Government after a consultation period in 2021-22, is planned legislation that gives people in care homes in Scotland the right to safe and supported visiting from loved ones, even in the event of future outbreaks of disease.

However, Anne’s Law has still not been enacted and, without this, care homes are still able to exclude families without good reason.

What can be done to speed Anne’s Law into legislation as quickly and effectively as possible?

Join us for a thought-provoking and lively panel discussion that aims to bring the spotlight back on the impact of lockdown on families of care home residents, carers’ rights, and Anne’s Law in the context of the ongoing Covid Inquiries and planning for any future public health emergency.

Chaired by Professor Susan Deacon CBE (Professorial Fellow, University of Edinburgh/Former Health Minister), the panel will include cross-party MSPs, policy makers and people with lived experience.

The event is coordinated by Dr George Palattiyil, University of Edinburgh.

Panellists

• Miles Briggs MSP
• Foysol Choudhury MSP
• Ben Farrugia (Director, Social Work Scotland)
• Fiona Collie (Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Carers UK)
• Campbell Duke (Care Home Relatives Scotland/Anne’s Husband)

Date: Monday, 23 October 2023,

Time: 2.15pm-5pm

- 2.15pm - 2.30pm: Registration and refreshments

- 2.30pm - 4.30pm: Panel discussion

- 4.30pm - 5pm: Refreshments and reflections

Venue: Conference Room, Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, University of Edinburgh, High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ

(Please note this event will be filmed and photographed, and media representatives may be present).