Re-engagement of doctors is ‘critical' to success of new NHS partnership structures

Commenting on the publication of the Health Committee report on its inquiry into the integration of health and social care, Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland said:

“I am pleased that the Committee has recognised that engagement of the medical profession in the new health and social care partnerships is fundamental to their success.  In the past, Community Health Partnerships have been too focussed on bureaucracy, not patient care and that has been to their detriment.  I hope that valuable lessons have been learned which will not be repeated in these new structures.”
Commenting on the wider recommendations of the Health Committee, Dr Keighley added:

“This report provides a useful consensus which should inform the development of legislation.  I support the concept of establishing a set of principles which can be set out in primary legislation.  This could be central to helping bring together the two very different cultures that exist between health and social care services.

“I welcome the recognition that structural reform is not an end in itself and that these new models for health and social care will focus more on outcomes rather than management structures.
“The BMA looks forward to contributing further to the legislative process when the Bill is published.”

A copy of the health committee report is available at: www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/50270.aspx