HEALTH chiefs in Argyll and Bute admit they face “major challenges” as a new report highlights the challenges confronting integration joint boards.

The document published by the Accounts Commission has warned of “a complex landscape of unprecedented pressures, challenges and uncertainties” which are worsening for Scottish health boards (IJBs).

It also mentioned a “widening” health equality gap across the country and a “growing level” of unmet and more complex needs.

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) said that it was not alone in facing the challenges but had “unique elements” due to the area’s remote nature.

In a listing of key messages among the report, the Accounts Commission document said: “There is also variability in how much choice and control people who use services feel they have, deepening challenges in sustaining the workforce, alongside increasing funding pressures.

“We have not seen significant evidence of the shift in the balance of care from hospitals to the community intended by the creation of IJBs.

“They operate within complex governance systems that can make planning and decision making difficult. They cannot address the issues across the sector alone.

“Whole system collaborative working is needed as part of a clear national strategy for health and social care that will promote improved outcomes across Scotland but reflects the need to respond to local priorities.

“The workforce is under immense pressure reflecting the wider pressures in the health and social care system. Across the community health and social care sector there are difficulties in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce.

“The Covid-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the withdrawal from the European Union have deepened existing pressures. Unpaid carers are increasingly relied on as part of the system but are also disproportionately affected by the increased cost-of-living.

“Without significant changes in how services are Key messages provided and organised, these issues will get worse as demand continues to increase and the workforce pool continues to contract.”

It then recommended that IJBs should “ensure that the annual budgets and proposed savings are achievable and sustainable. The budget process should involve collaboration and clear conversations with IJB partners, workforce, people who use services and other stakeholders around the difficult choices required to achieve financial sustainability.”

It also recommended collaborative working with other IJBs to discover what data is available and how it can be fully developed.

An Argyll and Bute HSCP spokesperson said: “Like most HSCPs across the country, we are experiencing major challenges such as significant pressures on our budget and recruitment difficulties across our integrated services.

“We are not alone as an HSCP in dealing with these pressures but the remote and rural nature of Argyll and Bute does mean that we have our own unique elements as part of these challenges.”