The Health Secretary has said Ministers will ask the Scottish Parliament for additional legislation allowing the NHS step in to ensure care continues where providers fall short during the pandemic.

Jeane Freeman has set out new arrangements being brought in to help care providers deal with the pressures of the covid-19 pandemic.

The Government has added provisions to legislation due to be considered in the Scottish Parliament next week that the Health Secretary says make it clear that if a provider is unable to continue to deliver care or significant risks to residents are identified, Scottish Minister will step in as a “last resort”.

From tomorrow, NHS boards and local authorities will take on ‘lead role’ in the oversight of care homes in their areas.

The Health Secretary has asked every regional health board and local authority in Scotland to put in place a multi-disciplinary team that includes clinical members of staff and each region’s Chief Social Work Officer.

It comes as the head of Scotland’s largest social care representative body, Scottish Care’s Dr Donald Macaskill, said the government’s mantra of ‘protect the NHS’ had been pushed at the expense of social care.

On Thursday, Scotland’s care regulator took legal action to remove a care home’s license to operate following the deaths of seven residents linked to covid-19. ‘Serious and significant’ concerns were raised about standards of care at the home where 30 of the 34 residents and 29 members of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

According to figures published by National Records of Scotland last week, deaths in Scotland’s care homes now account for nearly six in ten of the total number.

The Government has come under fire in recent weeks over testing in the care sector in particular. Interim guidance published by Health Protection Scotland last week stated testing would have to rationed in care homes due to a lack of capacity.

Speaking today, Ms Freeman said it was of “paramount importance” those using services, including residents and staff were provided with the best possible care.

“All organisations including care providers are responsible for effective and safe care in their services and are expected to work closely together and at pace to give effect to these arrangements.

“While these are unprecedented times, everything possible must be done to protect care home residents and staff from the effects of covid-19.

“These new arrangements will ensure clarity and consistency across the country about the role of health boards and local authorities in helping to keep their residents safe from coronavirus.”

Sign up to our bulletin sent twice a week so you don’t miss out on the latest health and social care news.