WIREDGOV

The full integration of health and social care services across Scotland took a step forward as the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act was given royal assent.

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The shape of Scottish society is changing. People are living longer, healthier lives and as the needs of our society change, so too must the nature and form of our public services.

"This landmark legislation is the most substantial reform to Scotland’s NHS and social care services in a generation. Full integration will result in more joined-up and seamless health and social care provision that will, without doubt, improve people’s lives.

“Achieving royal assent for the Bill is an important step towards achieving this government’s goal of delivering health and social care services that ensure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

The Scottish Parliament passed the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill on 25th February 2014.

The government will consult on the regulations and associated guidance relating to the Act during the spring 2014. Health boards and local authorities will be required to put in place their local integrated arrangement by April 2015 with the full integration of services across Scotland expected by April 2016.

A number of NHS Boards and Local Authorities already have shadow integration arrangements in place. NHS Highland and the Highland Council implemented a fully integrated model of health and social care in 2012.

Under these arrangements, NHS Highland took on responsibility for adult health and social care while the Highland Council now has responsibility for children's health and social care utilising a ‘lead agency’ model.

Chair of NHS Highland, Garry Coutts, said "In the Highland area there were too many examples where we felt that staff were coming across barriers that prevented them from doing the very best for their clients. These barriers included the fact there was two separate budgets, two sets of managers and two systems of governance that made it difficult for them to focus on the best interest of service users.

“With integration we have started to break down these barriers. There is now a single budget, simpler management arrangements and only one set of governors in charge. We have liberated staff to do the right things for their patients and clients and all of the staff involved who I’ve spoken to have said this would not have happened without integration. It’s still early days but changes are already happening and the potential for improvement significant.”

In Fife, patients are benefitting from shadow health and social care integrated arrangements that have been in place since April 2013. Hear their stories online in a series of videos.