Intensive support packages – transition to new arrangements

Sense Scotland, NHS Highland and The Highland Council have agreed not to renew the current contract for intensive support packages to 47 people across the Highlands with complex support needs.

The majority of the 15 separate care arrangements are in Inverness, including people who moved out of New Craigs Hospital, and there are a small number in Ross, Skye and Lochaber. The total value of these packages is around £4.5 million.

Sense Scotland has played a key role in supporting these people to live in community settings and the Highland Council and NHS Highland have valued this partnership.

In order to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible outcomes for service users, families and staff, Sense Scotland will continue to be involved in supporting service users until new arrangements are in place, and it is envisaged that this will be achieved by March 2011.

Bill Alexander, chief operating officer with The Highland Council’s Social Work Service, said the Sense Scotland contract had been due for review in November 2010, with an option for either party to withdraw.

He said: “We will be working closely with Sense Scotland and NHS Highland to assist the transition to new arrangements. We are pleased that Sense Scotland will continue to provide the service for a further period beyond November.

“Clearly the interests of our clients and their families are of paramount importance, and we will be working with them to put the new arrangements in place.”