North views wanted on Highland care service plans

Highland residents are being asked for their views on plans for community care services in the region. Highland Council and NHS Highland are conducting a consultation on their joint community care plan over the next few months.

The document sets out proposals for services for vulnerable groups, including elderly people, those with learning disabilities, mental health problems or substances misuse, or who are homeless.

A set of booklets that highlight the key issues will now be distributed and discussed with the public.

The information is available from council service points, libraries, pharmacies and GP surgeries.

It is also planned to organise meetings with community groups throughout the Highlands to discuss the booklets.

Chairwoman of the council’s housing and social work committee Margaret Davidson said: “It is important that the plan is understood and discussed in communities across the Highlands.

“We all have an interest in how we provide care and support for people who use community care services, and we all seek continuing improvement in those services.

“We want people who are vulnerable or at risk, to feel safe, and lead active and fulfilled lives. We want to support people to be healthy, living in their own homes, and being as full members of the local community as possible.

“This plan sets out how we intend to provide services that help achieve outcomes like this.”

NHS Highland chairman Garry Coutts said: “We know that the public want to get the services they need when they need them and don’t want to worry about whether it is a health service or a social care service. We agree with them.

“This plan is our attempt to make sure they get the service they have told us they need. We are very keen to hear if they agree we are on the right lines or not.”

Surveys are available by requesting a consultation booklet on 01463 702807 or, for those with access to the internet, they can be completed online from Friday March 26 at www.fhcommunities.org