Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services
This year, I have placed a particular focus on older people and people living with frailty. They use NHS and social care services more than any other population group and deserve nothing less than services attuned to their specific and unique needs and requirements.
I am therefore pleased to announce the publication of an Integrated Quality Statement (IQS) focusing on Older People and People Living with Frailty.
Improving quality of life and the health and wellbeing outcomes of people in their later years often requires multiple services and organisations to work together, collaborating in a mutually reinforcing way. The IQS sets out the quality attributes and provides the strategic direction for this collaborative way of working. It provides a framework and guide for the development of standards associated with a model of integrated care which responds to the needs of older people and people living with frailty, and the component parts of an integrated community care system.
The IQS will support services and organisations to plan and work together differently. The implementation of the standards will contribute to reducing variation and fragmentation of service provision across health and social care, enhance value and sustainability.
Maximising opportunities for improving the health and well-being of people in their later years must be a priority.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.