Partnerships and Networks: Part Lessons from Health and Social Care

The paper draws on important lessons learned from the evaluation of partnerships between health and social services in Managed Clinical Networks and Health Action Zones. These insights are likely to have implications for the development of Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) in Scotland. For example, issues highlighted include the need for a clear vision, clarity of strategic focus, effective two-way communications, honesty, and trust between partners, as well as adequate resources for building collaborative capacity. Furthermore, the importance of building on learning from previous partnerships is emphasized. Each of these issues is examined briefly to outline the potential for building best practices for partnership working.

The paper concludes by outlining the plans for a GCPH-funded study of managing partnerships in Glasgow. This study aims to both contribute to and learn from the unique experience in Glasgow of integrating health and social services in CHPs.