Progress on integration of health and social care

Work to ensure people get access to the health and social care services they need is progressing well but needs to happen faster, a joint report by the Scottish Government and COSLA has found.

The document highlights evidence of good progress in some local areas but says some local partnerships are making less progress.

The Scottish Government and COSLA are committed to integrating health and social care so that people get the services and support they require in a seamless manner.

The review report says there is good practice developing, both in terms of how Integration Joint Boards are operating and in how services are being planned and delivered to ensure better outcomes.

The report sets out a number of proposals designed to ensure progress on integration continues. These include:

• Effective strategic planning for improvement
• Clear governance and accountability arrangements
• Sustained engagement with local communities

Cabinet Secretary Jeane Freeman said

“Truly integrated services, focused on the needs of citizens, require our leadership and personal commitment. I am pleased that the Scottish Government and COSLA are working in partnership to ensure the success of integration. We need to act together and in our individual roles to accelerate progress.”

“There are challenges we must address and we recognise that we need to adapt, compromise and support one another to deliver integration for the people of Scotland.”

Councillor Stuart Currie, COSLA spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said:

“Good progress has been made under integration to date but, as highlighted by Audit Scotland last year, there is always more we can do to achieve improved outcomes for our communities. COSLA welcomes the proposals and their broad endorsement across the system sends a strong message of commitment to the health and social care integration agenda.”

The full report can be found here