08.05.12
Scottish Government promises outcomes-driven approach to integration
Engaging the medical profession is vital if health and social care are to be successfully integrated, according to a report by MSPs.
The Health Committee of the Scottish Parliament welcomed the Government’s focus on outcomes as the starting point for its legislative proposals.
In its report, it quoted oral evidence given by the Cabinet Secretary, who said: “One of the very deliberate decisions that we have made is to approach this not from the starting point of structural change but from the other end – in other words, the outcomes we want to achieve for people, the improvements we want to make and the standards of care we want for older people, regardless of where they live in the country. Outcomes form our starting point and the legislation that will help to implement these changes will very much have an outcomes-based approach.”
Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: “I am pleased that the Committee has recognised that engagement of the medical profession in the new health and social care partnerships is fundamental to their success. In the past, Community Health Partnerships have been too focussed on bureaucracy, not patient care and that has been to their detriment. I hope that valuable lessons have been learned which will not be repeated in these new structures.”
He added: “The BMA looks forward to contributing further to the legislative process when the Bill is published.”
A copy of the health committee report is available at: www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/50270.aspx
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