After weeks of questioning the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton has welcomed a letter offering vitamin D supplements to elderly care home residents.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith wrote to care home providers directly offering vitamin D supplements, as it is estimated that a significant proportion of the Scottish population suffers from some form of vitamin D deficiency.
The letter confirms that all residents in adult care homes should be assessed for vitamin D supplements (as per local formulary) as part of their regular routine clinical review and that decisions on whether to prescribe vitamin D for care home residents, including those who are shielded, should be taken on an individual basis.
The letter goes onto offer all care home residents, including those who are on the shielding list, the chance to be prescribed vitamin D supplements.
Mrs Hamilton questioned First Minister Nicola Sturgeon three times, on 10th November, 24th November and 13th January on the supply to care homes and shielding patients.
In both accounts in November, the First Minister failed to provide clarification of the supply being offered to Scotland’s care homes.
The new letter from CMO Dr Gregor Smith now confirms the Scottish Government position, some two months after the First Minister’s initial promise.
With the ‘stay at home’ message and multiple lockdowns or restrictions, many people have spent more time indoors this year, exacerbating the issues around vitamin D deficiency.
The Borders MSP made it her campaign to ensure that people were receiving vitamin D supplements, after constituents wrote in concerned about their health, or the health of a loved one.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“After constituents contacted me concerned about themselves or their loved ones being indoors the majority of the time over the past 9 months, I took action to make sure the Scottish Government were offering vitamin D supplements.
“In Scotland, it is estimated 24% of the population are vitamin D deficient, and this will have increased with the pandemic and various lockdowns.
“Care home residents, shielding patients and elderly people are spending more time indoors with the various Covid restrictions.
“After receiving no clarification from the First Minister over this matter, despite promises I would receive a response from her, I am glad the Chief Medical Officer has stepped following my demands.
“I hope now that anyone who medically requires these supplements, whether in care homes or the community, now receives them shortly via prescription”.