Somerset HA and Somerset social services last year incorporated the community care plan into the first health improvement programme, and did this both in the initial draft published for consultation last September and in the recently produced final HImP.

This approach, and the overall emphasis on partnership working throughout the local health economy and wider community, received widespread support from public and partner agencies alike.

John Haines

Director of policy and performance management

Dr Nicky Pearson

Consultant in public health

Chris Smith

Planning and evaluation manager Somerset HA