Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond has supported calls for there to be a supply of PPE for all personal carers.

Colin Millar, the CEO of the charity Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network (SPAEN), has highlighted the severe lack of PPE being experienced by carers. This is despite repeated assurances from the Scottish Government that all carers would have the protective equipment that they need.

People who are eligible for social care support can opt to use a direct payment to employ a Personal Assistant to deliver their care. As a result SPAEN represent over 500 employers across Scotland.

Key worker status for personal carers was confirmed last month in a joint letter from Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and Councillor Stuart Currie, the Health and Social care spokesperson for COSLA.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“There are many, many vulnerable people in my constituency who rely on the help and support of their carers to lead a normal, independent life.

“The work that personal carers carry out is vital – what they are doing during this crisis to keep their clients safe is incredible. The Scottish Government has said time and time again that all carers,, including personal carers will be given the PPE needed yet many are still working without protection.

“Many of those who require a carer will be particularly at risk during the current crisis. It is essential that those who are caring for them have the necessary PPE to keep themselves and others protected.”