East AyrshiHundreds of East Ayrshire residents who rely on social care could find themselves no longer eligible under plans now being weighed by local health chiefs.

East Ayrshire's Integration Joint Board (IJB), which oversees health and social care in the area, has consulted on tightening the threshold so that adult social care is only provided to people assessed as having critical needs, instead of those with either substantial or critical needs as at present.

Under the current national framework, critical risk means major risks to a person's independent living or health and wellbeing, while substantial risk means significant risks, with both likely to need care services immediately or very soon.


The board says it must weigh the use of limited resources against its duties to protect people's safety and wellbeing, uphold human rights and support prevention and early intervention.

The public consultation asked residents whether the change could leave needs unmet or allow people's needs to worsen to a critical level that might otherwise have been prevented, and what impact it could have on unpaid carers, families and informal support networks. That consultation has now closed.

The proposal comes amid severe pressure on the partnership's finances. At a special meeting last December, IJB members heard about the board's challenging financial position and the difficult decisions that need to be made.

East Ayrshire is not alone. Neighbouring North Ayrshire's partnership consulted earlier this year on providing funded social care only to people at critical risk – those facing immediate or imminent risk of serious harm, neglect, or losing the ability to live safely and independently.
north-ayrshire

Anyone wanting more information can contact the partnership at HSCPAdmin@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.re social care could change to 'critical-only'