Commenting on the announcement by Health and Social Care Partnerships across the Lothians about potential cuts to home care packages in the coming weeks, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“The fact that all of the Lothian’s health and social care partnerships have had to make this joint announcement underlines the unprecedented nature of the challenges facing the NHS and social care services.

“NHS Lothian has been underfunded for years, while local authorities, including East Lothian, have also experienced year-on-year budget cuts. It’s clear that these Scottish Government cuts have contributed to the severe pressures health and social care services are now experiencing.

“SNP and Green Ministers need to park their obsession with independence and focus on recovering from Covid, including getting our health and social care services back on track.”