MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross and Social Care Minister Maree Todd visits Alness care home Redwoods to mark Care Home Open Week
Scotland’s Social Care Minister Maree Todd praised an Easter Ross care home for its “ability to reconnect to the community” after the pandemic.
MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, Maree Todd, visited Redwoods Care Home in Alness alongside Cromarty Firth council candidate, Odette MacDonald to mark the start of Care Home Open Week.
Running from June 16 to June 22, the awareness week offers care homes across Scotland a chance to showcase their services and share the story.
Ms Todd said: “It was a pleasure to visit Redwoods in Alness for Care Home Open Week and meet with staff and residents.
“It's clear they've made a real effort to reconnect with the local community since the pandemic — from welcoming nursery children and school groups to hosting a fantastic choir performance during our visit.
“I was particularly impressed by their strong staff retention, which is a clear reflection of the warm, compassionate environment they’ve created — not just for residents, but for staff as well.
"Social care in the Highlands is facing serious challenges, especially when it comes to recruitment and retention of staff. While Redwoods has managed to avoid these difficulties, there are parts of my constituency where the sector is particularly vulnerable.
“On top of this, the UK Labour Government’s hike in employers’ National Insurance contributions is adding a significant financial strain to already stretched care providers.”
It comes just days after the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill was approved by the Scottish Parliament, in a bid to “transform social care” across Scotland.
The bill, which was led through Parliament by Ms Todd, will enshrine in law the right of care home residents to contact with loved ones (also known as Anne’s Law), introduce a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers, see the creation of a National Chief Social Work Adviser and a National Social Work Agency and improve access to personal information across care settings.
An advisory board will also be established to drive progress and scrutinise reform, replacing an interim board that met for the first time in May.
Ms MacDonald, an SNP candidate for the Cromarty Firth by-election, said: “I was really inspired by the team at Redwoods. Their dedication and kindness make such a difference to residents’ lives every day.
“On the doorstep, I’ve heard time and again that social care is a major concern. People are worried — they’ve seen care homes close in their community and wonder what the future holds.”
