“Integrated care describes the coordinated delivery of support to individuals in a way that enables them to maximise their independence, health and well being” - DH Care Networks, 2009

In Scotland, the term ‘integration’ has featured heavily in recent political discourse as we move towards bringing Health Boards and Unitary Authorities together to deliver more agile, more intelligent, cost-effective services for older people. This is a hugely challenging area in Scotland at present and with half Scotland’s population likely to be over 50 years old by 2025, it will become even more important to ensure efficient and cost effective integrated social and health care. There is, however, a variance of opinion on what integration should actually mean.  Are the values of the care profession and the health service practically compatible?

There is deep-rooted complexity in making integrated services a reality in Scotland. While combining health and social care support provides several structural challenges, the issue is further complicated by differing experience of the service user and deep mistrust by the public of UK care providers.

This Holyrood magazine conference looks to address these key issues driving the debate around integrated care of the elderly.  It will examine areas such as establishing a national care service, leading commissioning and pooled budgets.  It will identify what integration should mean and how this should look for local health boards and care providers.

The conference will also look at the practical needs of older people and the ways in which an integrated system can help older people to flourish, as well as what regulatory and legislative changes would need to be considered in order to effectively monitor the quality of these services.

A must attend conference for anyone involved in the health and social care sectors.