A report by the Scottish Government and Cosla has noted progress being made across the country in integrating services
Health and social care integration is progressing well, but needs to happen faster.
A joint report by the Scottish Government and Cosla, representing local authorities, has revealed good progress is being made in integrating services in some local areas, but some partnerships are making less headway.
The review deems 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. However work to ensure people get access to the services they need must happen faster.
This is in contrast to a report last year from the Scottish Parliament's health committee which found the conduct and progress made by Scotland's 31 Integration Authorities to be “unacceptable”.
Cabinet Secretary for health 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 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 and sustained engagement with local communities.
Following last year's critical health committee report, calls were made for radical reform - with a greater role given to the third sector.
