NHS HDL (2001)8

Health Department
Health Gain Division

 



Dear Colleague

INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY: A GUIDE FOR COMMISSIONERS

Summary

1. Enclosed with the Health Department Letter are copies of 'Independent Advocacy: A Guide for Commissioners' which has been prepared as a guide for Health Boards and their planning partners to develop independent advocacy schemes in their area.

Background

2. 'Advocacy: A Guide to Good Practice' was published in 1997, under cover of MEL(1997)61, to coincide with the launch of the Mental Health Framework. The Guide was aimed at supporting the development and refinement of advocacy services within the health service. Health Boards and NHS Trusts were asked to use the guide to examine their current practice and develop advocacy so that it is available to users of the NHS that need help and support. However, since its publication, we have recognised that, although this guide is a valuable tool for evaluating existing advocacy services, there was a need for further guidance to assist commissioning bodies to develop new advocacy initiatives.

3. In these circumstances Scottish Human Services (SHS) were commissioned to work with Lanarkshire Health Board to develop a model for developing independent advocacy services. Flowing from this work, SHS have produced the guidance that is attached.

4. In addition, The Scottish Health Plan: 'Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change' indicates that Health Boards, and their planning partners, are expected to use the guidance to identify and put in place advocacy schemes that meet the needs of their populations.


6th February 2001

______________________________

Addresses

For action
Chief Executives, Health Boards
Chief Executives, NHS Trusts
Directors of Social Work, Local
Authorities
General Manager, The State Hospital
Chief Executive, Scottish Ambulance
Service

For information
Chief Executives, Local Authorities
Chief Executive, CSBS
Chief Executive, HEBS
Director, HTBS
Executive Director, SCPMDE
General Manager, CSA
Director, CoSLA
Secretary, ADSW
Chief Officers, Health Councils
Director, Scottish Association of
Health Councils
Independent Advocacy Projects
_________________________


Enquiries to:

Miss Laura Ross
Health Gain Division
Room 51
Regent Road
St Andrew's House
EDINBURGH
EH1 3DG

Tel: 0131-244 2378
Fax: 0131-244 2372 laura.ross@scotland.gsi.gov.uk _________________________


Action

5. Health Boards should work with their local partners to develop proposals to ensure that integrated, independent advocacy schemes are available to all who need this type of support. It is important that these services are co-ordinated, monitored and supported to ensure their future success. Board's proposals, endorsed by their partners should be submitted to Laura Ross, Health Gain Division, Room 51, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG, by the end of July 2001.

6. Following preparation of these plans Boards should ensure that such schemes are in place by the end of December 2001. We will write to you again nearer this date to seek a progress report.

Further Information

7. The Scottish Executive has also funded the appointment of a development officer to support Health Service bodies and Local Authorities develop and establish successful advocacy schemes. Ms Charlotte Lee took up the post on 19 June 2000 and can be contacted at Scottish Human Services on 0131 538 7717.

8. Further copies of this document can be obtained from the Scottish Executive Website www.scotland.gov.uk (Publications) or by telephoning 0131 244 2839.

Yours sincerely


 

MR GERRY MARR
Director of Planning & Performance Management

MISS THEA TEALE
Head of Community Care Division