Health and Social Care

Spotlight on: Susan Wilson, Interim Chief Officer for Angus Health and Social Care Partnership

February 18, 2015 by 2 Comments | Category Uncategorized

I am retiring soon and, due to personal circumstances, will experience the world of Integration as a carer.  It is therefore perhaps timely to reflect on my experience and hopes.

I’m an Occupational Therapist by trade.  The opportunity to get to know people, help them adapt their assets and abilities, and minimise the difficulties was right up my street.  It has been a tenet I have held with me throughout my career, whether working with individuals or teams – I love the buzz you get from an effective team!

People often say that there are very different values and principles across the sectors and professions – as if one is better than the other?  In my experience there is no difference between individual practitioners and teams.  There can be differences within and across organisations and much of this is down to pressure, priorities, leadership culture, and disparate goals.

For this reason I firmly support the formation of Integration Authorities and what they stand for, but we need the will and commitment of all the partners to recognise that we do have common values, and we want for others what we would want for ourselves. If we recognise the massive assets our organisations and communities have and keep our eyes on expanding the 95% we have got and not the 5% we don’t have, we will get somewhere – the essence of the Strategic Plan.

We may be employed by separate agencies but we will be working for the partnerships as integrated, multi-sectoral teams.  Establishing this new identity and sense of purpose and positive relationships in Localities will be vital for success.

The most effective improvements are made when local practitioners across the sectors and service users are let loose, particularly in the areas of early intervention and prevention.

The greatest challenge to Integration will be the availability and flexibility of the workforce, and a national campaign is needed to promote careers in care that are varied, valued, and properly paid.  This will not only help the economy but will bring Integration to life.  I hope this can happen.

For now I wish you all the very best for an exciting future. I’m off to test Self-Directed Support!

Susan Wilson, Interim Chief Officer (Angus Health & Social Care Integration)

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Comments

  • Linda White says:
    4 March 2015 at 11:14 am

    Many thanks Gordon. That’s good to hear

  • Gordon Edgar says:
    20 February 2015 at 8:52 am

    Hi there Linda

    I wanted to let you know that I find your blog most useful. I work in a team of Development Facilitators in Aberdeen supporting the process of integration. As part of that work, we produce a monthly update for staff and stakeholders and I always get good stuff for the regular ‘What’s New This Month’ piece from the blog.

    Many thanks,
    Gordon

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