Health and social care integration: a radical change?

Since my last blog, things have moved on across Scotland and NHS boards and councils are working with partners in the voluntary and private sectors and the public to set out how they will integrate care in their local area.

We’re now well underway with our work on this integration, speaking to a range of stakeholders and reviewing initial schemes for the new arrangements. We’re looking at what progress is being made, whether governance and financial arrangements are clear and the opportunities and risks this presents. This is our first piece of work on the new partnerships, and we’re working closely with the Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland to take an early view on developments.

Community planning in Northern Ireland – learning from the Scottish approach

I was recently invited to Belfast by the Carnegie UK Trust to share perspectives on what’s working well in Scotland’s approach to community planning, and where further improvements can be made. My views formed part of the Trust’s conference around Northern Ireland taking the next steps towards adopting a well-being framework.