Members of The Highland Council and NHS Highland Joint Monitoring Committee have agreed proposed changes to the Model of Integration.
The changes considered are in response to draft amendments to the National Care Service (NCS) Bill - which is currently paused - however is a driver for reviewing integration arrangements in Highland and the possible creation of new Local Care Boards.
Members noted that preparatory work will be undertaken to identify the optimal future care delivery in Highland and to make recommendations on modifications to the care and governance model currently in place in Highland.
They also agreed:
- to create a strategic Steering Group to oversee the required work with representation from both lead agencies including councillor and officer representation from The Highland Council and executive and non- executive director representation from NHS Highland
- and an approach to joint communications to ensure that all stakeholders are fully appraised of plans as they evolve and have the chance to shape them.
Joint Monitoring Committee Chair, Cllr David Fraser said: “This is an opportunity to explore changes we may make that could benefit the population and communities we serve. We need to provide more support to help people receive care in their own homes and communities.”
Highland Council’s Chief Executive, Derek Brown added: “Our strategic plans for adult and children’s services already set out in more detail our ambitions and the outcomes we aim to deliver. This review has so far indicated an appetite to consider change in our partnership governance to deliver the best outcomes for our staff, our population and the communities we serve.”
As well as the report to the Joint Monitoring Committee today, a report on the ‘Proposed Change to Model of Integration’ was also considered at a meeting of The Highland Council yesterday (12 December 2024) and will also be considered by the Board of NHS Highland on 28 January 2025.
Fiona Davies, NHS Highland's Chief Executive, said: “If agreed, a steering group will be set up to oversee this work, including councillor and officer representation from The Highland Council and executive and non-executive director representation from NHS Highland. The steering group will work with all stakeholders, including people receiving care, staff, trade unions, care providers, communities and the third sector.”
She added: “The importance of a skilled and dedicated workforce will remain at the heart of any proposals and staff across Highland Council and NHS Highland will be kept informed and provided opportunities to engage and help to shape plans in due course.”