Remit
REMIT
At its meeting on 4 March 2015, the Committee agreed to look at the implications for complaints procedure following the integration of health and social care.
Having noted the Cabinet Secretary’s evidence on this matter during the passage of the Bill, and in particular the existence of a work system in this area, the Committee took evidence from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) on 7 January 2015.
Concerns were noted around the role of the SPSO, the multiplicity of systems, standards and the failure to adopt the single complaint handling system used elsewhere across the public sector. Whilst noting a willingness to engage, the Ombudsman was concerned at the speed of progress and in particular the prospect of multiple systems and differing procedures under which the public could complain.
COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION
The Committee agreed to write to each of the bodies involved, and the Scottish Government, to seek a full update on progress towards the establishment of a single complaints system.
On 9 March 2015, the Committee wrote to the Care Inspecrorate and the Chief Social Work Adviser and Head of General Health & Social Care Directorate at the Scottish Government. Read the letter here:
Read the responses here:
The Committee took evidence from the SPSO, Care Inspectorate and Scottish Government at its meeting on 10 June 2015.
Read the Meeting Papers and Official Report
Following the meeting, the Clerk to the Committee wrote to these organisations requesting follow up information:
Following the integration of health and social care partnerships, the Convener wrote to Duncan McNeil MSP, Convener of the Health and Sport Committee, with an update. Read the letter here:
The responses from the organisations that gave evidence to the Committee on 10 June are available here:
The Committee took further evidence on this issue at its meeting on 23 September 2015.
Read the papers and Official Report for this meeting.