PROPOSALS are to be put forward to integrate healthcare provision into the local authority.

Following a meeting of the council's overview and scrutiny committee, recommendations will be made to the cabinet to create joint functions within NHS Waltham Forest and the council.

Speaking at the meeting, council chief executive Andrew Kilburn said: “The issue about a closer working relationship was very much on the agenda when I arrived in October.

“Over the intervening months, we've been looking at the way in which the organisations might come together to work more effectively.”

Recommendations include preparation of a joint business case for the integration of the two bodies, as well as the appointment of a joint director of finance.

A “Working Group” with representatives from both bodies is also being considered to “oversee the development of the work”.

It was also suggested that NHS Waltham Forest chief executive Sally Gorham should be seconded as the head of adult and community services.

But councillors raised concerns over whether she had enough relevant experience.

Cllr Richard Sweden said: “I propose deleting the recommendation and suggest that the Working Group is perhaps reconsidered to include someone of seniority with a social care background.”

The authority will be following in the footsteps of Hammersmith and Fulham, which has already begun integration with its primary care trust.

The proposals come as the current model of primary care trusts becomes increasingly likely to disappear.

Mr Kilburn said: “There are 30-plus primary care trusts in London and I don't think anyone believes they will survive long after the next general election.”

He added the most likely result would either be a grouping of trusts by geographical location, or the model proposed in Waltham Forest.

Cllr Matt Davis, leader of the opposition, said: “I welcome this report as it stands and I do believe the chief executive has made some good points.

“I agree that there's potential for improvement in service provision.”

But he added that the “devil is in the details”, saying: “It will be a case of being sure that the structures that are put in place are done in such a way as to ensure accountability.”

It was also recommended that the proposals be put before a full council meeting after they are given to the cabinet.