Diabetes Scotland has liaised with its network of local groups to provide a response to the Scottish Parliament Health & Sport Committee's consultation examining Integration Authorities' engagement with stakeholders including patients, carers and the third sector.
Health and Social Care integration reforms were introduced in Scotland last April. The 32 new Integration Authorities across Scotland are now responsible for delivery of health and social care at a local level.
Kirsteen Murray, Interim National Director at Diabetes Scotland, said: "Integration Authorities need to clearly understand the impact of diabetes on their local population. Diabetes is a relentless conditon which affects people's physical, mental and emotional health. The costs are high to both the individual and the health service if people are not supported to manage their condition well.
"It is vital for Integration Authorities to engage with people affected by the condition and put them at the heart of decision making regarding their local health and social care services."
In drafting the response, the charity liaised with its network of local groups and incorporated feedback and experiences from across the country.
You can download our full response here: Health & Sport Committee IA response March 2017 (PDF, 955KB)
If you'd like to know more about Health & Social Care Integration in Scotland, how this affects people with diabetes or how to get involved with our engagement work please email scotland@diabetes.org.uk or call 0141 245 6380.
