13.12.11
Proposals to reform CHPs in Scotland
The Scottish Government has announced plans to reform Community Health Partnerships (CHPs).
They will be transformed into new health and social care partnerships, with the aim to strengthen the role clinicians play in planning services locally.
Legislation will be introduced to allow further integration of services with the new partnerships and focus on the quality and consistency of care for the elderly.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “These changes represent the radical reform that is badly needed to improve care for older people, and to make better use of the substantial resources that we commit to adult health and social care.
“Our reforms will deliver a system that is effectively integrated, leading to better outcomes for older people and better use of resources.”
Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: “If these new ‘partnership’ organisations are to succeed, they must engage and involve GPs representing practices in the local area.
“And while it is important to provide much greater integration with social care services, it is essential that these new organisations endeavour to engage doctors from secondary care to ensure that there is greater integration of community and hospital-based services.
“These new ‘partnerships’ must not be about saving money, but should focus on providing the right balance of care available to local communities. In order to succeed, they must be clinically driven and supported by management to avoid falling into the pitfalls of the predecessor organisations and I hope that legislation will reflect this.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]