Health board report asks questions of all of us

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of the East Kilbride News.

It’s easy for everyone – people and organisations – to simply focus on the short term; the here and now.

But taking a step back to look at the bigger picture is important, particularly if it looks as if problems are being stored up for the future.

On pages 4 and 5 of today’s edition, we analyse NHS Lanarkshire’s in-depth ‘state of the region’ report. The main conclusions, as you will see, are that child poverty is increasing, folk are living longer and people’s unhealthy habits are putting a strain on resources.

It should be pointed out that it is great news that people are living longer.

Folk are able to live full lives, enjoy their children and grandchildren growing up and the fruits of their labour.

But with the realisation that the number of people aged over 75 will rocket in the next 20 years comes the issue of ensuring that older people can be looked after.

And, inevitably, that ensures funding is the topic of discussion right at the top of the agenda.

In the past this column has touched on the importance of the NHS to all of us. It’s a facility – a service – we cherish and its principles are shared by the vast majority of the population.

But as the demographics changes, how healthcare is delivered must evolve with budgets scrutinised to ensure that resources are available and value for money for taxpayers is achieved.

We have our own responsibility to take care of ourselves, live healthier lifestyles and make use of the medical professionals only when we need them.

When it comes to addressing the issues of tomorrow, steps and action need to be taken today.