An update on a scheme to better integrate health and social care services in Norfolk will be given to councillors at a meeting next week.
The Department of Health announced in 2009 that Norfolk was to be one of 16 sites across the country to take part in the integrated care pilot programme. The aim was to try out models of integration that close the traditional division between health and social care services, and also include the third sector's contribution. The emphasis was on organising health and social care from a patient's perspective so that services were flexible, personalised and seamless.
A report to the Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee shows the pilot covered approximately one third of all GPs in Norfolk, involving 32 GP practices and a patient population of more than 300,000 people. Integrated teams of GPs, community health and social care professionals were established.
The typical patient experience of the pilot shows they received a better co-ordinated, locally-delivered health and care service with one person acting as their key worker who knew their background.
The meeting of the committee will be held on Thursday, March 1, at 10am in the Edwards Room at County Hall in Martineau Lane, Norwich. Members of the public are welcome.
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