The Board responsible for making decisions about Falkirk’s local health and social care services has expanded its number of voting members.

An additional representative from NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council will now sit on Falkirk’s Integration Joint Board.

Following a vote of Councillors on Thursday (25 June), Councillor Laura Murtagh has been appointed to the Board, with NHS Forth Valley due to appoint its additional member on 30 June.

The move is the first step in expanding the expertise and range of decision makers when considering changes to local services.

Later this year, updated legislation will come into effect to extend voting rights on IJBs across Scotland to include to service user, unpaid carer, and third sector representatives.

These members sit on the IJB to provide professional and lived-experience insight, but currently do not vote on decisions. These voting rights are expected to be expanded from Falkirk’s October IJB meeting.

Gordon Johnston, Chair of the Integration Joint Board, said: “I am pleased to welcome two new members to the Board, whose knowledge and experience will help strengthen and broaden our decision-making.

“The collaborative approach of Integration Joint Boards brings together councillors, health board colleagues and community expertise to make decisions about our local services.

“This is vital to ensure we are taking a whole-system view of health and social care, and I look forward to working with our new members as we continue to make informed decisions for the people of Falkirk.”