A senior figure in Scotland's care sector has issued a stark warning that the country faces a potential 'flood' of care home closures unless the industry is given proper priority and funding, moving beyond its status as a 'Cinderella service'.
'Running on Fumes': A System in Crisis
Dr Robert Kilgour, the executive chairman of major provider Renaissance Care, condemned the persistent policy of prioritising the NHS over social care. He stated the sector is currently 'running on fumes and in intensive care'.
His warning follows a recent Audit Scotland report which revealed that bed-blocking in hospitals is costing the NHS an estimated £1.2 million every single day. Bed-blocking occurs when patients are medically fit to leave hospital but cannot be discharged due to a lack of appropriate care arrangements in the community.
'We must end social care always being the Cinderella service and all governments’ repeated policy of NHS first and social care second,' Dr Kilgour said. 'It is not rocket science, just common sense - if social care collapses there will be even more bed blocking, cancelled operations and longer waiting lists.'
Political Pressure and Proposed Solutions
The First Minister, John Swinney, is under increasing pressure to resolve the bed-blocking crisis. He highlighted a £500,000 scheme designed to help social care employers recruit international workers already in the UK but without sponsored employment.
Mr Swinney reported there have been 138 expressions of interest in the initiative, with places expected to be confirmed over the coming weeks. 'This innovative scheme is just one example of how we are increasing capacity and relieving pressure within our health and social care system,' he stated.
He linked this effort to the upcoming Scottish Budget for 2026-27, set to be outlined by the Finance Secretary, saying it would focus on delivering strong public services and growing the economy.
An Urgent Call to Avert Disaster
Despite these measures, Dr Kilgour emphasised the need for immediate and substantial support. He called for action to finally deliver on a longstanding SNP promise to eradicate bed-blocking.
'Scotland's social care urgently needs proper support and funding now,' he insisted. 'Otherwise, I fear that the current trickle of care home closures is in danger of becoming a flood.'
This dire prediction underscores the critical link between a functioning social care sector and the sustainability of the NHS, with the potential for care home failures to exacerbate the existing hospital backlog dramatically.
