William Eichler 22 August 2016

Councils ‘willing and able’ to provide leadership in health and care integration

Council chiefs across the South East have written to the health secretary urging the Government to recognise local authorities as equal partners with the NHS in health and care integration.

The local government leaders wrote to Jeremy Hunt MP to say they are ‘ready, willing and able’ to provide the leadership and vision required to work with the NHS to deliver health and social care integration.

Every health and care system in England—including local authorities--must produce a multi-year Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) showing how local services will evolve and become sustainable over a five year period.

These STPs receive input from a number of different sources, including NHS England, NHS Improvement, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Health Education England (HEE), Public Health England (PHE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

‘It’s clear the current approach to health and social care is unaffordable in the long-term,’ said Cllr Roy Perry, South East England Councils (SEEC) deputy chairman.

‘Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) could offer a way forward, but are mainly NHS led and remain largely focused on ‘cure’.

‘We feel opportunities are being missed to create partnerships that also draw on councils’ skills in delivering efficient, locally-tailored services that meet people’s needs and focus on prevention.’

The letter stressed the crucial role councils play in prevention by delivering services outside of hospitals. It also emphasised the significant role housing plays in preventing ill-health and reducing hospital admissions, and called on ministers to make an exemption to the benefit cap for those who require specialist housing.

South East councils are asking Mr Hunt to support an 8-point plan to overcome common barriers to health and care integration. These include co-chairing of STPs, an agreed definition of integration and measurable goals for all partners.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner