Backing for big care changes in Highlands
PLANS to radically overhaul the running of health and social care services in the Highlands have negotiated the latest hurdle.
Highland councillors and directors from NHS Highland meeting in Inverness today have agreed to proceed with the proposals despite concerns from some local health campaigners.
The two organisations met jointly for the third time to discuss the new model for care and support services for adults and children, which could form a blueprint and be rolled out across Scotland.
A council spokesperson said both they and NHS Highland recognise there are challenges that need to be met.
The changes will see NHS Highland as the lead agency for adults and the council leading on services for children and families.
This would involve an estimated 1,400 staff in adult community care services transferring from Highland Council to NHS Highland, and an estimated 230 staff in child health services transferring to the local authority.
The target date for the switch is April of next year.
Mr Garry Coutts, Chairman of NHS Highland, said: "I am convinced that integration of health and social care is the only way we can provide the joined up service the public say they want.
"I am also increasingly convinced it will allow us to improve services and be as efficient as possible.
"I know that some people have outstanding concerns that we need to work through but I am sure we are on the right track."
Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of The Highland Council, said: “There is nothing closer to people’s hearts than their health and the care of our young and older people so it is important we provide the best possible service with the public funds available to us."
Some concerns were expressed about the proposals at the latest meeting of Highland Council's Badenoch and Strathspey ward fourm.
Rev Helen Cook, from Kingussie, is worried that some elderly and vulnerable people may "fall through the cracks" when home care becomes the responsibility of NHS Highland.
She fears that those currently receiving the service could end up being neglected because they are not ill and may not be picked up in the new system.
