Alex Neil MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, made his remarks when he opened the new office of Edinburgh Care and Repair at 1 Osborne Terrace, Haymarket today.
Mr Neil said: 'Care and Repair Edinburgh is a valuable resource to older people across Edinburgh, supporting the Scottish Government vision that by 2020 everyone is able to live longer, healthier lives at home, or in a homely setting. Housing services like Care and Repair have a key role to play in helping people who wish to stay in their own home - from ensuring the home is accessible and safe, to avoiding unnecessary admissions and supporting timely discharge. Our legislation on integration supports this approach providing a more user friendly, joined up health and social care service to the people of Scotland, that will, no doubt, improve people's lives'.
Mr Neil paid tribute to the dedication of the Board members, staff and volunteers. He also wished Graham Harper, Chief Executive, a happy birthday.
Care and Repair Edinburgh Chair, Elaine MacMaster, said: '2014 has been a busy year with many changes, most notably a move to our new office. We have appointed six new board members and a new Chief Executive and four members of staff. This gives us a fantastic foundation going forward. With all that is happening in health and social care around older people, it is also at a time of great opportunity. We know that for a whole variety of reasons, keeping older people safe and healthy at home is a cornerstone of the Scottish Government's policy'.
Alex Neil MSP with Elaine MacMaster, Chairperson and Graham Harper Chief Executive at opening of new Edinburgh Care and Repair office on 20 August 2014.
