East Lothian Integration Joint Board seeks to appoint Service User Representative
An opportunity has arisen for a service user representative to join the East Lothian Integration Joint Board, for a three-year term, with the possibility of a further three-year extension.
The East Lothian Integration Joint Board (commonly called the IJB) works to integrate health and social care. Its membership includes East Lothian Council elected members, NHS Lothian Board non-executive directors, representatives of the third sector, health and social care professionals and others.
This position, which is a voluntary, involves attending formal business meetings as an official user representative, to provide views and opinions on behalf of people who use the health and social care services delivered by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership across the county.
An interest or background in public involvement, lived experience and co-production in health and social care would be an advantage. A requirement of the position is that applicants live in the East Lothian council area.
The IJB meets 10 times a year, with a schedule of formal business meetings (currently held on Microsoft Teams and with recordings available online) and development sessions. The IJB follows the East Lothian Council summer recess in July. Some meetings may be held in person.
The IJB is responsible for the development of a Strategic Plan to set out priorities for delivery of health and social care services across the East Lothian area. The most recent Strategic Plan, for the period 2022-2025 is available at: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/33015/east_lothian_ijb_strategic_plan_2022_-_25
The current Strategic Plan has seven objectives, which aim to:
Develop services that are sustainable and proportionate to need
Deliver new models of community provision, working collaboratively with communities
Focus on prevention and early intervention
Enable people to have more choice and control and provide care closer to home
Further develop/embed integrated approaches and services
Keep people safe from harm
Address health inequalities.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer, East Lothian Integration Joint Board commented:
“I very much welcome the involvement of service users, carers and family in the development of health and social care services for East Lothian’s varied communities. The service user representative position on the IJB is key to ensuring that the voice of service users is heard at the IJB and influences all that we do.”
Anyone interested in finding out more or applying for the position should contact ELHSCP.PATeam@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk for an application form.