OHAC recruitment drive under way . . .

Representatives are wanted to join the new board that will plan and oversee community health and social care services in the county.

Once elected, the stakeholder representatives will represent the views of service users and carers on the Integration Joint Board, which will be known as Orkney Health and Care.

In addition, service user and carer representatives are required for the board’s Strategic Planning Group, which will play a key role in service planning and commissioning decisions. They will be joined on the planning group by a representative from the voluntary sector.

Voluntary Action Orkney is working with the OIC and NHS Orkney to recruit anyone who would like to get involved.

Gail Anderson, VAO’s chief executive, said: “We are looking for people who are interested in the future of community health and social care services in Orkney and who would be happy to share their experiences and ideas.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people to take an active role in shaping these important services and ensuring they meet the needs of people and communities throughout Orkney.”

The intention is to elect representatives with experience of using community health and social care services, representatives of people who provide unpaid care for others and a voluntary sector representative.

Once elected, the representatives will take their seat on the Strategic Planning Group and board of Orkney Health and Care which, from April 1, will have the task of planning and overseeing integrated services across the county.

The stakeholder representatives will be provided with information, training and support to help develop their skills and enable them to make the best possible contribution to the work of Orkney Health and Care.

For further information and to get involved in the nomination process, see www.vaorkney.org.uk

The deadline for nominations to be received is Thursday, January 21.