One-stop health care help could be just a call away

PLANS to introduce a single access point for people to get the right care service they need quickly are to be revealed in a series of roadshows.

Dates for the roadshows are still to be announced but the idea is for the public to have their say and help shape a number of ideas coming from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to re- duce pressure on hospitals and support people to stay at home as long as possible.

The roadshows were discussed at Oban Community Council on Monday when councillors heard the single-point access would be a phone number to call up and speak to a professional who would decide what kind of care was needed.

A HSCP spokesperson told The Oban Times details of the roadshows would be widely publicised in the coming weeks.

He said a great deal of work has already taken place in Oban, Lorn and the Isles to improve co-ordination between health and social care services.

‘We are also working hard to reduce and tackle the level of re-admissions to hospital, delayed discharges and extended stays. All of these lead to demands on health and social care services, which in many cases can be avoided,’ he added.

A working group has been set up to look at how services could be staffed in communities.

‘This will ensure health and social care professionals continue to meet local needs and that the service is as effective and efficient as possible. There are no proposals to reduce staffing levels locally and the group will also be taking into account the fact there may be differing needs for mainland services and those on the isles,’ said the spokesman.

Anyone with questions can contact Phil Cummins, interim locality manager for Oban, Lorn and the Isles on 01631 788942 or email phil.cummins2@nhs.net