The Plight of Unpaid Carers in Scotland (6): Rights for Patients and Their Unpaid Carers – What Governments Don’t Want

Looking back over the 40 plus years I have been an unpaid carer, there seems to be a lot of

mystery surrounding rights, and who, precisely, has them, especially the legally-protected ones

enjoyed by prisoners and criminal drug addicts in Scotland.

 

A lot of people, primarily politicians and charities’ employees, refer to people’s rights a great

deal.

 

On one occasion, an elderly relative was experiencing extremely bad treatment in a major NHS

hosptial in Glasgow. I know how much NHS doctors, nurses, and administrators do not like any

sort of criticism, so I sought advice.

 

I contacted one of the charities which specialised in representing the older members of society. I

explained what had happened, and, when I asked why we appeared to have little or no

protection, in the way of rights, the charity’s member of staff told me that:

 

“governments don’t want members of the public to have too many rights, as this would make

things more difficult for the government in enforcing its policies.”

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, July 2025.