Neil on fact-finding mission in West Lothian

HEALTH Secretary Alex Neil has visited West Lothian to 
witness how health and social care services are being 
integrated in the region.

Mr Neil, who replaced Nicola Sturgeon in the role in September, spent part of yesterday with the West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership, which is widely acknowledged as being a 
Scottish leader at combining services.

It is hoped that by integrating health and social care, acute NHS-run health services in hospitals and social care services in the community will work more closely together, improving the experience for patients and residents.

NHS Lothian chief executive Tim Davison said this week that government representatives had praised the progress made in Lothian in implementing the flagship policy, following a presentation to a ministerial strategic group.