Vulnerable adults bill delayed for a year

A new bill to protect vulnerable adults has been held up by
legislation to ban smoking in workplaces in Scotland.

Scottish executive deputy health minister Rhona Brankin told
delegates she hoped the protecting vulnerable adults bill would be
placed before the Scottish parliament in spring 2006.

“We have to ensure vulnerable adults are protected but it is a
very complex piece of legislation and my understanding is that the
reason it has been put back a little is to include the smoking
provisions,” she explained.

Brankin said a joint improvement team had been created to
improve services and access online support, and disseminate best
practice.

“This is a support service not an inspection service and it will
be totally voluntary, but councils should give real consideration
to working with it,” said Brankin.