What is Integration?

Integration of health and social care is one of Scotland's major programmes of reform. At it's heart, health and social care integration is about ensuring those who use services get the right care and support whatever their needs, at any point in the care journey.

Why is Integration happening?

The shape of Scottish society is changing. 

People are living longer with more complex care needs.  Our aging population and the increasing demands for services means our current arrangements for providing care and support are not sustainable.

With pressure on public sector finances, it's time to think differently about how we work to meet these challenges.

Health and social care integration is a Scottish Government-led programme of reform driven by new legislation in the form of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 came into force in April 2014. 

The Act requires Health Boards and Local Authorities to integrate their health and social care in new partnerships. 

In Moray our Partnership will be built on the strong foundations of the good relationships and joint working which already goes on. This includes the third sector (voluntary) and independent care sectors which play a vital role in supporting the integration approach.

What difference will it make to me?

Integration will make sure we deliver person-centred care where we make sure we listen to people and help them work towards the things that are important to them.

Local teams and professionals across health and social care will work together to deliver quality, sustainable care and services resulting in improved outcomes for the people who use services and their families

Those individuals with long-term conditions and disabilities - many of whom are older people - will get the joined-up and seamless support and care they need to live safely and independently in their own home for as along as possible.

There will be less duplication, no gaps and a better use of resources ensuring better value for money.

Do I have to do anything?

No. These changes are more about health and social care staff working more closely together to improve the care and support you or your family member receives.

More effort will be made to ensure you have the choice and control you want over your care and support.

As well as greater involvement in your own care there will also be more opportunities to be involved in developing and improving local services.

What services will be included?

  • All Social Work services for adults and older people
  • Community health services such as district nurses and health visitors
  • The planning of some hospital based services.

You can find the details on the Services in Scope page.

What is happening to staff?

Staff will continue to be employed by their current employer and retain their current terms and conditions of employment and pension status.

They will be employed in the Partnership but not by the Partnership. 

Workforce engagement is ensuring staff are able to shape our plans for integration based on their knowledge and experience.

Any future changes to the ways they work, where they work and who they are managed by will be carried out in accordance to existing change management policies and procedures.

Who will manage the integration of services?

A new Integrated Joint Board will be established. It is already operating as a shadow board.

The board has already appointed a Chief Officer. Pam Gowans took up post in October 2014 and leads the Joint Operational Management Team. 

When will integration happen?

The Moray Integration Joint Board took on its full responsibilities from 1st April 2016.

How can I have my say in integration?

Integration is all about engaging with people who use services, their families and their wider communities.

Your voice matters and it's important you have your say so that we get integration right for everyone.

Learn more about the opportunities on our Have Your Say - Get Involved page.

You can get in touch by:

  • Calling 01343 567187 
  • Emailing involvement@moray.gov.uk

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