Deadline looms for consultation
A formal part of a consultation has begun on how a three-year health and social care plan could shape up for Argyll and Bute.
The Integrated Joint Board (IJB) of the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership has just released its draft version of its new strategic plan.
The plan is now out for final consultation with the public and with local stakeholders before ending on February 11, ready to be presented to the Integrated Joint Board for approval in March.
Stephen Whiston, head of strategic planning and performance, said in the first three years since the IJB was established, significant progress has been made on a wide range of health and social care issues, including the challenges of keeping the ageing population fit and well, providing the best possible start for children and young people as well as coping with the increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes and with tackling the difficulties in staff recruitment all within the context of a reducing budget.
Mr Whiston added that through the summer of 2018 there had been an extensive consultation and engagement exercise with the public and stakeholders to inform the new plan.
He said: ‘We would like to thank everyone who got involved as this has greatly assisted us in the development of our new three-year strategic plan.
‘The clear message that came back to us was to continue with our vision and objectives and in fact increase the pace of change so that we become a health and wellbeing service for all our communities.
‘This means we radically transform the way we provide health and social care focusing on prevention of ill health and anticipatory care as a truly person-centred focused service.
‘We are now at the stage of formally consulting with the public and local stakeholders on our next three year strategic plan before it is presented to the Integrated Joint Board for approval in March 2019.’
The IJB’s vice-chairman, Councillor Kieron Green, and said: ‘We really appreciate the feedback from communities as to how we can better deliver the support and services they rely on.’
The formal part of the consultation runs out on February 11 and the IJB wants to hear people’s views on the plan and its objectives.
Electronic copies will be available and can either be downloaded from NHS Highland’s website or by emailing nhs.abhscp@nhs.net. Hard copies will also be available on request.
Local groups and organisations throughout Argyll and Bute can also invite representatives from the plan go along to discuss what is in it. To arrange a meeting, email nhs.abhscp@nhs.net.
‘We would like to thank the communities across Argyll and Bute for their help in developing our plan and look forward to working with you over the coming years as we plan to deliver our joint vision for health and social care helping the people in Argyll and Bute live longer, healthier, independent lives,’ added Mr Whiston.