Integration of health, social care and education to be discussed at East Sutherland and Edderton Ward forum

The integration of health, care and education services for children and adults will be the theme of the East Sutherland and Edderton Ward forum to be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 14 June in Golspie Community Centre.

Having developed closer joint working over recent years, The Highland Council and NHS Highland believe that it is possible to achieve even greater integration.  They believe that this will further improve front line services, achieving better outcomes for the users of services, and they seek to consult with community groups about these plans.

The proposals involve far reaching changes in organisational and management arrangements for the two largest employers in the Highland area.  They will deliver real improvements in services and outcomes for the users of health and social care services in the Highlands and represent the most advanced plans in Scotland.

The Ward Forum will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear about and comment on these proropsals.  In particular, it will seek views on how individuals and community groups might have a stronger voice in the delivery of health and social care services that are delivered in a more integrated way.

Garry Coutts, Chairman of NHS Highland, said: “NHS Highland and The Highland Council appreciate that people want health and social care delivered in a straightforward way, with minimal bureaucracy.  They want the services they need, delivered quickly and efficiently, and as local to where they live as possible.  That is what we are seeking to do, through the integration of children’s and adult services, and we are keen to talk through the detail with local communities.”

Councillor Ian Ross, who will be chairing the forum said: “When constituents want to raise an issue about health and social care, it does not really matter to them who runs that service, they just want it sorted.  We are looking at new ways of delivering services, and as part of that, we want to ensure a more joined up approach and improved local accountability.  The forum offers local people an opportunity to hear about and discuss the proposals and ultimately to influence how these services will be delivered in the future.”