Health and social care integration toolkit launched

Local councils should take action to improve the delivery of integrated health and social care, the LGA has urged. This week the association published a new toolkit to help commissioners and providers to achieve this.

In partnership with the NHS, care organisations across the UK and Integrating Care, the LGA developed guidance for local authorities to create a value case for integration.

The toolkit includes a modelling tool for the financial impact of integration, as well as an evidence review, summaries of localised integrated care programmes, signposting to useful resources, and a database of existing initiatives.

Cllr Katie Hall, chair of the Community Wellbeing Board, Local Government Association said: “The toolkit has already made waves across local government and health. Over 350 people have been involved in the development and testing of the products, and we know local areas are now using the toolkit to support their work on the Better Care Fund and wider integrated care locally.”

Claire Kennedy, co-managing director, PPL & Senior Advisor, Integrating Care said: “From 2015/16 onwards the UK health and social care landscape is going to look very different, and we need to ensure the entire sector is ready for it. This toolkit will help national and local care providers work together to make a substantial difference to the quality of life of individuals and communities across the country.

“We recognise that service co-ordination is far easier said than done, and that the looming BCF deadline will be cause for definite concern in some localities. But practical help is at hand in the form of the LGA’s toolkit. Its examples and user-friendly resources will help health and wellbeing boards and local partners determine exactly what will work best in their region and how.”