Integration of Adult Health and Social Care in Scotland Consultation: Scottish Government Response

National outcomes for adult health and social care

26. We asked whether the proposed statutory mechanism of national outcomes, with their inclusion in Single Outcome Agreements, would be strong enough to deliver this change.

What we heard

27. Respondents were generally supportive of the proposed use of health and social care national outcomes, and their inclusion in Single Outcome Agreements to provide a consistent framework across Scotland.

28. There was general support for the principle of 'joint and equal accountability' for delivery of outcomes across Health Boards and Local Authorities.

29. Where concern was expressed regarding nationally agreed outcomes, it was generally to note that their existence should not crowd out the importance of local understanding of need, and local agreement of appropriate local outcomes and measures.

30. Third sector respondents in particular noted the importance of focussing on a rights-based approach rather than a needs-based approach.

The Scottish Government Response

31. We agree that it is important to achieve a balance of nationally agreed outcomes - in order to provide some assurance of consistency and quality - along with locally determined and agreed priorities. Local communities, and the professionals supporting them, are best placed to understand local needs.

32. In order to be meaningful and achievable, nationally agreed outcomes must be able to evolve over time.

33. We agree with the principle that nationally agreed outcomes should be defined in terms of individuals' experience of wellbeing, independence and control over how they wish to live their lives. We believe that this approach provides the most effective means via which to achieve a shift in outcomes for individuals in their day-to-day experience of health and social care support.

34. It is our intention to legislate for the principle that Health and Social Care Partnerships should be held to account for their delivery of nationally agreed outcomes.

35. The nationally agreed outcomes themselves will be agreed in partnership with partners in the public sector, and with input from stakeholders in the third and independent sectors.

36. There will be an expectation on Community Planning Partnerships to include the nationally agreed outcomes for adult health and social care in Single Outcome Agreements, along with such other outcomes and measures as are agreed locally.