[Edinburgh-carecampaign] Update

[Marlyn Tweedie]

Hi brothers and sisters   I'm wondering if my e-mails are getting sent. In
the last week I've come across people who haven't got them yet I was sure
they were on the mailing list.

I'll try and check  re. this one.

1)  Just to say I spent 20 mins on the 'phone tonight to a very tired, run
ragged social care worker.
His shift tonight ran as follows;
3.30 - 4pm   give tea;
4pm-4.30  give tea; medication
4.30pm- 5pm give tea     No travel time yet travel time is at least 10
mins.   During this visit the service- user  - in her 90's - was tearful
because the SCW'er had so lttle time
5-5.30 tea and meds
5.30-5.45 med prompt and cup of tea
5.45 - 6.30 tea; med; supper   (client has serious mh issues)
6.30-7pm palliative care  and tea   have had to fight for 30 mins instead of
15 !
7.15 - 7.45    empty commode; eyedrops; assist into nightwear and into
bed     ( a 15 mins gap allows a little time to make up for the no tavel
time throughout the shift)

8-8.30  wash; change incontinence pads; put cream on
8.45 - 9pm med; and assist to bed
9.15 - 9.45 med and supper

11 service-users   - most of whom are allocated 30 mins.  in 7 hours    no
travel time  apart from last 3  but there's not enough time to do the tasks
and of course no break for the worker!

This time is not enough.

Scw'er  has been in the job many years and has never known such stress


2)  Last week I went to a talk in the Parliament re. budget cuts and
advocacy for disadvantaged groups.

It was given by 3 researchers from Queen's? university Belfast.

Basically they're making the case that in terms of Human Rights legislation
people have a right to certain core standards.

  It can be googled United Nations 1966   especially International covenant
economic social and cultural rights     - ICESCR

I think this could be used to try and legally defend standards  - standards
re. health and dignity e.g.

Can you look at it and see what you think.?

The researchers felt it could be tested.

Of course it's an individual action  - and more importantly  - costly  but
if it was successful   would have implications for all service-users

Could anyone attach  perhaps Para 3 and 4   - these seem the relevant
para's  or create a link  -     Or teach me!

Regards   Hope this reaches you    Marlyn
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