We’ve read and heard so much this week about centres and valuable community projects facing closure across North Edinburgh are a result of funding decisions made by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB).
But what is the EIJB?
A description on the council website states:
“Following the Scottish Government legislation, NHS and the council within each local authority area were asked to decide on the option for governing the new integrated arrangements.
“In Edinburgh the option jointly chosen by the Council and NHS Lothian was that of a “body corporate”, called the Integrated Joint Board (EIJB). This Board is made up of five NHS Lothian non-executive directors and five councillors from the City of Edinburgh Council working in partnership, and has a Chief Officer.
“The EIJB’s purpose is to improve the wellbeing of people who use health and social care services, particularly those with complex needs that involve support from health and social care at the same time. It will be able to plan across social care, NHS services in communities and some hospital services to ensure these become better co-ordinated for people.
“It is responsible for strategy, planning, and directing what health and social care services are needed for people living in Edinburgh. The EIJB works with people and communities with an interest in health and social care services. The EIJB’s strategic plan will describe how health and social care services need to be different between communities to match the needs of people living in them.”
Earlier this week EIJB chairperson, Councillor Ricky Henderson, said: “I’m afraid it’s just part of the world we live in that there’s less money to go around and we need to try to get the best out of the money we have.
“There is still a massive investment in working with people across the city across a range of different health issues.”
Locals will protest outside the City Chambers tomorrow morning at 8.45am ahead of the EIJB meeting.
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