CCTV IN COMMUNAL AREAS CARE HOMES

Today I participated in a debate on CCTV in care homes.

Recently abuse and neglect in some care homes has been uncovered which should alarm us all. However, we must not allow such poor practice to undermine our trust in the good work being done to care for old and vulnerable people in the vast majority of our care homes.

However, it is the case that CCTV in communal areas in care homes may help improve care but inevitably the use of such cameras will be limited, as well as raising privacy issues.

Trust between care home staff and residents and their families is essential for a positive care experience. The most important way to improve care in our care homes is to ensure staff are valued and supported in their work and that their status is reflective of the very challenging and important work they do.

I also highlighted in the debate the wonderful care provided in Haylie House Residential Care Home in Largs.