A Chief Officer has been appointed to take forward the development of the new Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership – a joint partnership between NHS Forth Valley, Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils.

Shiona Strachan, who is currently the Head of Adult Services for Renfrewshire Council, will take up the role which will help ensure that local health and social care services for adults are more joined-up, especially for people with long term conditions and disabilities.

This will make it easier and quicker for local people to access the services and support they require to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. It will also make it easier for health and council staff to work together to provide care and support in a more co-ordinated way. This will help reduce delays and make care more seamless.

Shiona Strachan, who is expected to take her new role in Summer 2015, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the post of Chief Officer for the new Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.

“Much of my working life has been spent in Central Scotland and I am committed to working with local people, services and communities to make a difference. This is a huge opportunity to build on the developments already underway to ensure that people living in Clackmannanshire and Stirling are able to live full and positive lives within their own communities.”

Jane Grant, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, said: “Shiona has extensive experience of partnership working across the NHS, local authority, police and voluntary sectors and is therefore ideally placed to build on the many excellent examples of joint working already in place and drive forward further improvements.”

Clackmannanshire Council’s Chief Executive Elaine McPherson said: “This is a key appointment for the Partnership and we are really pleased to have appointed Shiona into this new leadership role. It marks a significant step forward in building the team to make further progress on transforming health and care for the people of Clackmannanshire and Stirling.”

Stewart Carruth, Chief Executive of Stirling Council, said: “I am delighted with Shiona’s appointment. I’m sure she’ll develop the great examples of partnership working we already have to push forward improvements for our residents. Shiona has an in-depth understanding of the Stirling area, having worked here for many years.”