Drive to streamline health and social care

FAR-reaching plans to merge health and social care services in the Highlands have been unveiled.

The streamlining proposals would mean in future Highland Council becomes the lead agency for children's services and NHS Highland the main body for adult social care.

The new model, which will be discussed next week, would see 1,400 council care home staff and social workers working with adults moving to NHS Highland. At the same time 250 NHS employees who work with children will transfer to the local authority by April 2012.

Dr Michael Foxley, leader of the council's administration, said the proposals are "practical and straightforward, and will make perfect sense to people".