Care in spotlight at Wester Ross meeting

PEOPLE in Wester Ross are being asked to have their say next week on the local implications of a major care shake-up.

A meeting taking place in Ullapool next Tuesday (March 13) offers locals the chance to hear about and have their say on the development of planning for integration of health, education and social care services provided by NHS Highland and the Highland Council.

As previously reported, the two public bodies – which are also the major employers in the Highlands – are streamlining the way they provide care for adults and children.

At a public meeting in Ullapool’s Macphail Centre, Jan Baird, the Planning for Integration Transitions director will explain how, from April 1 this year, staff are being brought together into integrated teams to work with children and families and with people who use community care services.

The meeting is open to everyone and will, the agencies say, “aim to help people who use the services understand how the integrated NHS/Council teams can make decisions more quickly, allowing a more flexible and responsive service to users”.

Jan Baird said: “So far the development of plans for integration have been carried out in association with service users, carers, families, as well as NHS Highland and Highland Council employees delivering services throughout the area.

“We would like to hear the views of people who have not already been involved in the process in other ways, especially if they use, or look after someone who uses children and families or community care services.”

For further information about the development of planning for integration, or to submit questions in advance of the meeting; or make known any special requirements/needs to help take part, please telephone 01463 706751 email: [email protected] or visit www.highlandlife.net/p4i