As part of his effort to represent all constituents, Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson has met representatives of an organisation which represents people whose lives are affected by a range of long-term medical conditions for which cures are either unknown or very limited.
Mr Thompson (SNP) pledged his support for the work carried out by the Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS), which helps to fund and administer 81 self-management projects throughout Scotland for the 40 per cent of the country's population whose lives are affected by long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, skin conditions, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, stroke, ME, chronic pain, Alzheimer's and mental health problems.
Mr Thompson noted that he already employs one member of staff with multiple sclerosis and another with osteo-arthritis and urged more within society to concentrate on what people can do, rather than what they can't, when dealing with people living with a long-term medical condition.
"My meeting with LTCAS was very useful because I found we shared the same view of the importance of ensuring carers from the family and community of those with long-term conditions are given the support and recognition they deserve for their unpaid work and care to help others live as full a life as possible," Mr Thompson said.
"They were also able to add to my knowledge about the financial effects of living with one of a wide range of conditions which can make getting and then keeping a job more difficult than for most in society.
"The work done by LTCAS and other family and friendship carers is also hugely valuable to the wider public because without them more people would be forced to rely upon the NHS and local authority social services for their basic care needs and the cost for this would fall to the taxpayer."
Following the meeting LTCAS Chief Executive, Ian Welsh, added: "Living with a long term condition has a profound impact on people's lives, and one that reaches far beyond health and the NHS. This group is more likely to experience poverty, unemployment and debt, and less likely to have savings or be home-owners.
"In the current economic climate people with long term conditions are likely to be among the worst affected. LTCAS calls on Scotland's politicians to respond with approaches that support people, and unpaid carers, at an early stage and to invest in approaches that provide high value outcomes for individuals and long-term savings for the public purse."
Notes:
A long term condition is generally one lasting longer than a year, can affect people of all ages and prevalence increases with age. Such conditions include: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, skin conditions, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, stroke, ME, chronic pain, Alzheimer's and mental health problems. Long term conditions can
LTCAS is calling for community-based support so that people with long term conditions can become active partners in the management of their conditions, avoid unnecessary health complications and enjoy high quality, active lives.
For more information about LTCAS or long term conditions please visit www.ltcas.org.uk
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