AN ALVA family campaigning to change the law after their loved one was taken advantage of on his death bed has partnered with a charity to promote their mission.
Willie Johnston was being treated in the intensive care unit in Perth Royal Infirmary when documents were put in front of him.
The Perth farmer signed off on the papers, which devalued his estate by a currently unknown cost.
His family learned that this was entirely legal, with no framework in place preventing vulnerable people from signing important documents.
In response, they are campaigning to introduce Willie’s Law to ensure that vulnerable people remain protected in hospital or are unable to competently sign off on important documents.
Now, they have partnered with Hourglass, a charity devoted to ending the abuse of older people to promote their work.
Willie’s daughters, Laura Johnston-Brand and Karen Lee, featured on a webinar with Hourglass to tell their story and why a change in the law was necessary.
READ MORE: Alva family campaign for Willie's Law
Laura said: “Willie’s Law will provide a level of protection that vulnerable people of Scotland don’t have.
“Ensuring that medical and legal support work together in a person-centred way will ensure vulnerable people’s wishes are carried out while safeguarding them from abuse and coercion.
“We are delighted to be working with Hourglass to see safer ageing in Scotland and to protect Scotland’s vulnerable people.
“We will all be vulnerable one day and this will protect us all.”
Under Willie’s Law, a doctor would be asked to co-sign any documents placed in front of people in their care.
This would cover people who are terminally ill, have poor mental health, dementia or autism or are unable to sign off on a document capably.
Laura and her family started a campaign which has now grown to encompass volunteers throughout Scotland.
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Veronica Gray, deputy CEO and policy director for Hourglass, added: “In our recent manifesto Hourglass asked the government at Holyrood to introduce Willie’s Law and an economic abuse strategy which would require a medical professional to co-sign legal documents of vulnerable people to prove they have legal capacity.
“Hourglass is proud to support Willie’s Law as part of Safer Ageing Week and to give a voice to victims and their families.
“Our hope is that through this campaign, we can bring about meaningful, lasting change for people in Scotland.”
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