Russell urges health chiefs to listen to service users
FACED with a need to save £22 million – 8.5 per cent of the budget – over the next two years, health and social care chiefs want to hear from the people of Mid Argyll.
At a ‘conversation cafe’ or drop-in event last Friday, local health and social care managers were there to meet members of the public. The afternoon and evening event saw a steady stream of people visit Lochgilphead Community Centre to take part.
Plans
The main purpose of the meeting – part of a series of consultation events throughout Argyll and Bute – was to discuss Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) financial plans for the next two years.
The board governing the HSCP, known as the Integrated Joint Board, will meet on March 29 to decide on a budget plan to achieve the £22 million savings required.
One of those who attended the drop-in was Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell, who told the Advertiser: ‘It’s important that the HSCP consults people.
‘There is no doubt service change has to happen, but I am concerned about what is happening at Auchinlee [Campbeltown] and Struan Lodge [Dunoon] care homes, where the local communities don’t understand the reasons behind decisions and don’t feel engaged. I am also willing to engage with the process if it is being done positively, and that’s why I came along today.’
Listen
He added: ‘It is difficult for people to make sense of what the funding situation is for the HSCP, and I want to encourage them to do more of this, and to listen to people – the service users.’