Local Democratic Legitimacy in Health

Occupational therapists who have worked in social care for many years are experienced at working across service boundaries and could play an essential role on health and wellbeing boards

The College responded to Local Democratic Legitimacy in Health as part of the wider NHS England White Paper consultation Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS. Local democratic legitimacy in health describes how local councillors and councils will have enhanced roles in ensuring the NHS is answerable to local communities.

The College agrees that HealthWatch should have a formal role in seeking patients views which should be sought across all groups to promote social inclusion

Reassurance is sought that advocacy services continue not only through transition but into the future. Mandatory guidance will be required to support effective commissioning HealthWatch.

Attempts at integrated working have been challenging

In the future, there will need to be stronger emphasis on joint commissioning between health and social care services. Integrated working would be promoted if the NHS embraced a social perspective of health and wellbeing.
 
The personalisation agenda will be key to support and incentivise integrated working and the College would be interested to see personal budgets that combine health and social care components.
 
Download the College's response to Local Democratic Legitimacy in Health