Gibson warns against centralisation

News release Immediate release


09/12/10


Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has warned against centralisation of services following news that there is to be a joint Highland Council and NHS Highland proposal to merge the future of provision for health and social care in the region.


He also called for transparency and accountability from both organisations if they are to gain the confidence of the public.


The plan is to create a single lead agency for adult community care services and for children’s services. The Childrens service would be led by NHS Highland, whilst the lead agency

for the provision of children’s services would be The Highland Council.


Mr Gibson said...


"The Highland Council and NHS Highland must ensure that provisions will delivered in every size of community. Streamlining must not mean centralisation. These proposals must not be a charter for centralisation, it will be deemed to be a success if there is top quality services are delivered to every part of the Highlands."


"NHS Highland will have to offer far greater levels of transparency and accountability if patients and clients are to have confidence in its work."


ENDS