AGE |
How we are addressing age issuesThe NHSGGC Equality Scheme sets out what the organisation is doing to ensure it meets its responsibilities to promote age equality and remove age discrimination across all its services and functions. A ban on age discrimination within public services is due to come into force in April 2012. This ban will apply to people aged 18 years and over . It will offer no protection to those aged under 18 years However, the Scottish Government is currently seeking to align domestic legislation with the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child by introducing a Children and Young People’s Bill. A Children’s Services Policy and Bill is also planned to provide legislation to help achieve a better start in life for future generations. NHSGGC is working to introduce inequalities sensitive practice as a means of ensuring no-one using our services is discriminated against on grounds of age or any other protected characteristic. It is also working to raise awareness of the nature of direct and indirect age discrimination and our responsibilities under equalities legislation. For example, we are reviewing any age-based criteria for accessing services and changing to a needs-based approach to both service access and judgments and decisions about treatment and care. Overall service planning is increasingly taking account of the changing age profile of the population and the impact this will have on demand for services. Awareness of the need to ensure age equality within our services informs this planning process. However, there are circumstances where a targeted approach to specific age groups is appropriate both when providing services and when consulting and involving individuals. For example, young people have been actively involved in the planning and design of the proposed new children’s hospital. Sexual health services through the Sandyford Initiative have been designed to ensure that they are accessible to young people and have the confidence of young people. Increased protection for older adults is now in place through the Adult Support and Protection Act and the development of Adult Protection Committees.
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