Health and wellbeing boards and service transformation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide an overview of issues being faced, and likely to have to be faced, in establishing effective health and wellbeing boards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based the perspective of the Department of Health's lead for implementation of these boards. Set in the context of national policy expectation, it draws on the early experiences of board development all over the country; and on discussions and seminars held to test their practical implications.

Findings

Transformation of the current pattern of services is needed to meet the preferred needs of the public. This is a major challenge at local level, and the leadership capacity and style of the new boards, and their communication skill, will be vital to the creation of responsive integrated services.

Originality/value

The paper draws together current thinking on a key policy initiative of the current government, and links it directly to integrated health and social care.

Citation

Wilderspin, J. (2013), "Health and wellbeing boards and service transformation", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 13-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011311305530