Getting it right for everyone (GIRFE)

Minister's statement

Social Care Minister Maree Todd said:

"Improving public services is one of this administrations’ key priorities and in few areas is this more pertinent than in our health and social care sectors. Every one of us will access these services on several occasions throughout our lives whether for ourselves or on behalf of those most close to us. 

"I wholeheartedly believe that as a mature, fair, and just society the delivery of these services is a mark of success and one we must strive to get right for everyone no matter their circumstances, their age, or where they live. Whilst potentially challenging, achieving this need not be complex or expensive. What is needed is a fresh approach, one based on the firm foundations of human rights and with the needs of everyone as unique and valuable individuals at its core.

"Throughout my discussions with carers and those in receipt of support, I have heard the same frustrations: multiple appointments with different people, having to tell their story repeatedly, information that is too complicated to follow and a system too busy and complex to navigate. People are all too often left feeling isolated, disempowered, and unable to lead full, enriched lives.

"We have worked across nine Health and Social Care Partnerships, professionals and individuals receiving and providing care to create an approach that will define an adult’s journey through individualised support and service provision. Moreover, this approach respects the role that everyone has in planning and providing person-centred support that meets all an individual’s needs.

"By placing the person at the centre of all the decision making that affects them, we have created a joined-up consistent approach that has been tested, adapted, and proven to make significant positive improvements to people’s care and quality of life. I have been heartened by the very real success stories that have come out of the testing phase of this approach – examples that you can read for yourself as part of the accompanying Toolkit.

"I fully endorse the principles underlying the Getting It Right For Everyone (GIRFE) approach. The ask is simple and within easy reach of all caring professionals. It seeks to view the individual as just that – a unique individual person with specific needs, wants and aspirations. It asks that care givers gather around the person, identify what support they need to thrive and to live a full and fulfilling life. The team around the person approach, with the individual at its core, asks only for a shift in emphasis in favour of the individuals needs in a collective, coordinated way."