Local opinions sought on the integration of Highland care services
PROPOSALS to integrate care, health and education, and children’s and adult services are to be put forward to the public.
The joint Caithness wards forum will, at an open meeting, discuss plans by the Highland Council and NHS Highland for their services to work more closely together.
Council and health chiefs are keen to hear feedback on their recommendations from the community.
They believe that the planned changes will improve frontline services and achieve better outcomes for service users.
Garry Coutts, chairman of NHS Highland, said they appreciate that people want health and social care delivered in a straightforward way, with minimal bureaucracy.
He said: "They want the services they need, delivered quickly and efficiently, and as local to where they live as possible.
"That is what we are seeking to do, through the integration of children’s and adult services, and we are keen to talk through the detail with local communities."
The proposed changes will be significant and involve changing organisational and management arrangements in the Highland Council and NHS Highland.
If implemented, officials believe the changes will result in reduced bureaucracy and a real joined-up approach to service delivery.
Landward Caithness councillor David Flear said the Highland Council is looking at new ways of delivering its services and that public feedback is essential before any changes are implemented.
"When constituents want to raise an issue about health and social care, it does not really matter to them who funds that service, they just want it sorted," he said.
"This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss and consider how that is best achieved."
The forum will take place at the Mackays Hotel in Wick on Tuesday, June 21, at 7.30pm.