Public sector faces “last chance” NHS head warns

The public sector in Scotland is facing its “last chance” to
deliver the government’s social inclusion programme, the head of
the NHS north of the border told the annual Association of
Directors of Social Work conference.

Trevor Jones also said health and care representatives had to
serve together on new health boards, and ensure poverty and poor
health were tackled through community initiatives.

“For the public sector in Scotland this is our last chance to
ensure the existing structure can deliver the government’s agenda,”
he told delegates at the conference in Dunblane.

“Chairs of social work will be full members of a health board,”
he said.

If legislation was needed to ensure local plans were effective
then ministers were committed to providing it, he said.

Outgoing ADSW president Margaret Wells told the conference the
association’s leaders were talking to care home owners to find “an
urgent resolution” to the crisis in Scotland.

Residential care providers have warned that if they are not paid
more by local authorities they will close homes.