The Seniors Forum has recently expressed concern about the big increase in the charges for community alarms of almost 100 per cent.

As a result, I have asked the chief executive of the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to tell me the reduction in the number of users since the charge was increased.

I have also asked if the HSCP will be monitoring any increase in falls as a result, and increased demand on A&E, and if the long-term sustainability of the service will be affected by the reduction in demand.

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My concern is that elderly and disabled people who cancel their alarm service because of the greatly increased cost will suffer more falls and injury as a result and have to go to A&E, rather than receiving more appropriate treatment in their own home.

The HSCP is currently making great improvements in reducing re-admission to hospital through the great work of our hospital discharge team.

However, imposing charges that might cause further A&E admissions seems unwise, especially as, unfortunately, our A&E admissions are now higher than expected.

I sincerely hope that the SNP administration will seriously re-consider this short-sighted and

counter-productive increase in the charge for the vital community alarm service to ensure that all of our elderly and disabled people are treated appropriately and compassionately.

I am afraid that, because of ill-health, I have had to reduce my workload to some extent lately. However, I hope to be back to normal after the summer.

May I wish you all a healthy and happy summer.