The Integration of Health and Social Care in the Uk ― Policy and Practice

Closer integration of health and social care with the aim of ending the historic divide between NHS and social services has been the goal of successive governments for decades. The rationale for greater integration has been widely accepted in terms of service improvement, better use of resources and meeting the needs arising from future demographic change. Various methods of integration have been tried and tested over the years, ranging from joint working to full structural integration. The debate about integration continues to dominate government papers and reports - and in 2010 the coalition government set out its intention to break down the barriers between health and social care funding to encourage preventative action.

This much needed new text provides a systematic assessment of recent policy developments across the UK and introduces the different models of integration which currently operate - from structural integration in Northern Ireland to health and care partners

hips in Scotland. The book goes on to examine the achievements of integrated working, showing how it can lead to improvements in the quality of services and access to services, as well as create cost efficiencies. In addition, the authors also consider barriers to integration and draw comparisons with experiences in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe to identify lessons for practice in the UK. Supported throughout by case studies and a wealth of illustrative material - including charts and diagrams - this will be key reading for anyone who seeks to understand the challenges and issues involved in the delivery of health and social care in the UK.

Deirdre Heenan and Derek Birrell are Professors of Social Policy at the University of Ulster, UK.