Fife’s health and social care services in jeopardy

REPORT: Financial pressures creating unsustainability warns watchdog

Significant financial pressures are putting health and social care services in Fife in jeopardy, a watchdog has warned.

The Accounts Commission said in a new report that efforts to make the situation better are being undermined by “clear ongoing financial sustainability issues”.

Fife’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) – the body responsible for planning and commissioning healthcare in the area – has repeatedly failed to break even and the public spending watchdog for local government forecasts another overspend of £10 million this year.

Services provided through the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, which has a £555m budget, include social work for adults and older people, community hospitals, children’s community health and social care for the people of Fife.

“Ongoing financial pressures will likely undermine how the IJB will be able to improve vital health and social care services for the people of Fife,” the Accounts Commission said.

Its chairman, Graham Sharp, said: “The Accounts Commission is seriously concerned about slow progress in Fife IJB and its clear ongoing financial sustainability issues.

“If this persists it will inevitably affect the ability of the IJB and its partners, Fife Council and NHS Fife, to improve health and social care services local people depend on.

“We welcome some recent progress, including permanent appointments to the posts of chief officer and chief finance officer, and a review of its financial strategy.

“Now, as a matter of urgency, these plans must be actioned and delivered on. Above all, a robust financial recovery plan must be put in place.”

Director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, Nicky Connor, said: “Like many integration joint boards, Fife is not alone in facing significant challenges.

“We value the findings from the Accounts Commission report – it highlights the key areas we need to focus on as a board.

“There has been progress made with a new strategic plan for the next three years approved, an integrated transformation board created and a medium to long-term financial strategy is in development.

“There is much more we can do and over the coming months.”