Image of Older People Exercising

What is Integration?

In Scotland

The way in which health and social care services are planned and delivered across Scotland has changed due to the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 (the ‘Act’). Local Authorities and Health Boards are required by law to work together to plan and deliver adult community health and social care services, including services for older people. This new way of working is sometimes referred to as ‘Health and Social Care Integration.’

At its heart, Integration is about ensuring that those who use community health and social care services get the right care and support whatever their needs, at the right time and in the right setting at any point in their care journey, with a focus on community-based and preventative care.

Health and Social Care Integration aims to:

  • improve the quality and consistency of services for patients, service users, carers and their families
  • provide joined-up quality services where people are cared for in their own homes or in a homely-setting where it is safe to do so and
  • ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently to deliver services that meet the increasing number of people with long-term and often complex needs, many of whom are older

In Glasgow City

Within Glasgow City, Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have integrated the planning and delivery of all community health and social care services, including services for children, adults, older people, along with homelessness and criminal justice services. This work is led and directed by the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board, with the Council and Health Board delivering services under the banner of the ‘Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership.’

If you would like more information on how Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde worked together to develop integrated arrangements in Glasgow City, then you can read the following reports that were submitted to: