More cash for care services in Argyll

HEALTH and social care services in Argyll and Bute received £1.84 million of funding this year.

The cash came from the Integrated Care Fund (ICF), a source of three-year funding from 201-2017 provided by the Scottish Government to help health and social care partnerships (HSCP) to support investment.

The NHS said: ‘The key purpose of the ICF is to act as a catalyst for transforming health and social care services through focusing on anticipation, prevention and early intervention.’

The Argyll and Bute HSCP received £1.84 million of the ICF in its first year.

Region

Of this, £1.04 million was directed towards developing health and social care services across the region.

The remaining £800,000 was devolved directly to local communities across Argyll and Bute and divided up taking into account demographics and rurality. Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay received £200,754.

Only one district of Argyll and Bute was allocated more funding – Bute and Cowal was awarded £220,832.

Oban, Lorne and the Isles received the least at £182, 348.

In Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay, continuing from year one of the programme, two Telecare first responders were funded.

Telecare is a remote alarm system to protect the elderly or infirm.

This funding will continue for 2016/17 and, according to the NHS, will support work including managing and preventing falls and assisting patients to manage their own conditions and take care of themselves.

Allocations

Successful funding allocations for Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay two have been the Islay and Jura Health and Care Hub and Kintyre Befriending.