Health and social care views sought

THE ARGYLL and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Integrated Joint Board (IJB), which is facing huge cuts, plans to run a public consultation.

The IJB move comes after it has faced protests about the possible closure of Auchinlee care home in Campbeltown.

IJB bosses claim their vision is to build on the excellent services currently provided across Argyll and Bute and ensure that these services will support people to live a long, healthy, happy and independent lives. The IJB does, however, have to change how services are delivered in the future to meet the priorities outlined in the Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Delivery Plan.

All of this has to be achieved within an extremely challenging financial outlook with estimated savings required of £16.3m for 2017-18 and a further £5.7m for 201819 from an annual budget of £257m.

Christina West, IJB chief officer, said: ‘The IJB came into being in April 2016 and our strategic plan for 201619 has set out local priorities in response to national policies and importantly takes account of what our local communities have said is important to them.

‘The IJB will be meeting on March 29 when it will be presented with the budget plan which will outline how we aim to achieve the £22 million savings required.

‘We really want to hear your views and ideas on this over the next few weeks, especially in relation to what services are important.

‘We are arranging drop-in events across Argyll during March at the following venues: Lochgilphead, Community Centre, March 3, 2pm-5pm, 6pm 8pm; Campbeltown, Community Centre, March 8, 2pm-5pm, 6pm-8pm.’

See page three for the latest on the Save Auchinlee campaign.