Concepts Series 4

This briefing paper provides a brief outline of the development of the policy context leading to the current configuration of Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) and Community Health and Care Partnerships (CHCPs) in Scotland.

Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) in Scotland bring the NHS and local authorities closer together in developing joint working practices. This briefing paper examines the policy context leading to the current configuration of CHPs and Community Health and Care Partnerships (CHCPs) in Scotland.

The paper discusses the integration of health and social care during the last few decades and the policies which have impacted on the structure of health and social care services and structures in Scotland and the creation of fully integrated CHCPs, which has brought together primary care and social work under a single management structure. The role of CHPs in health improvement and in reducing inequalities is also discussed.