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Multi-agency Inspections
In recent years, the NHS in Scotland and local authorities have responded to significant challenges and changes. There have been substantial improvements in health, social work and social care services which have delivered better outcomes for people who misuse substances and their families.
In all public services we are making a shift from top-down, target-driven performance management to more self-improving systems built around the needs of individuals. Increasingly, collaborative working between health, social work, social care agencies and other partners such as the police will make a significant contribution to improved services. The overall aim of collaborative working is to give people the best and safest care possible.
Multi-agency inspections support this improvement in several ways. This first pilot multi-agency inspection of substance misuse services focuses on the way that the agencies in Grampian work together, rather than on specific services. In doing so, it promotes collaborative working by highlighting good practice, and making recommendations where change or improvements are needed. It demonstrates to people who use services that joint working can assist them to improve their lives. It makes sense to service providers who want simpler and less burdensome review, inspection and regulation.
The model and methodology for the multi-agency inspections have been developed by the Social Work Inspection Agency ( SWIA), the National Health Service Quality Improvement Scotland ( NHSQIS), and the Care Commission. Each has different ways of working but all have an identical focus in assisting agencies to give people the best and safest care possible.
This report gives an overview of collaborative working between health and social work services provided in Grampian.
We fully appreciate the co-operation and assistance of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils, NHS Grampian, and Grampian Police which have participated in the first pilot inspection of substance misuse services. In particular we are grateful to people who use services, carers, staff and managers who played an active role in the inspection process.
Alexis Jay
Chief Inspector
SWIA
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