Chance for Fifers to help shape health and social care services

A new initiative which aims to give Fifers a greater say over how health and social care services should be shaped has been launched.

Fife’s Health and Social Care Partnership, the third biggest in Scotland with more than 5,000 staff, recently approved a new Participation and Engagement Strategy for Fife up until 2019.

And with that firmly in mind, the organisation has now launched a Participation and Engagement Network to ensure “the voice of the citizen” is heard as Fife takes forward what has previously been described as a “once-in-a-generation” transformation of services.

Councillor Andrew Rodger, chairman of Fife’s health and social care partnership board, said: “The formation of the network is a landmark moment for Fife, bringing together service user, patient and carer representatives as well as members from the third and independent sector.

“Working locally and at a Fife-wide level, the network has a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills. They will be the eyes and ears of the community, ensuring we adhere to the principles and values set out in Fife’s Strategic Plan, our blueprint for change.

“We must listen and respond so that we continually improve the experience of care regardless of age, ability or where people live.”

Carer representative Peter Hibberd said the strategy had been developed by people who have “hands on” experience alongside health and social care professionals, adding: “This will now give us the vehicle which will connect the health and social services with the public who use the services on a daily basis through sickness and disability.”