Ask questions on health care future

Dear Editor I tend to agree with the letter from Bob MacDougall (Observer, January 4, 2019) that the Government focus should be on “better and sustainable healthcare throughout the 21st century”.

Governments north and south of the border have similar problems funding good health services.

The head of the NHS in England last week spoke on radio about their 10-year plan and priorities.

Much more locally, the Stirling/Clackmannanshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is holding four public meetings in the next fortnight to seek opinions on the priorities they should follow in providing primary and community healthcare, mental health services, adult social care and much more. A three-year plan is to be drawn up.

As with the national situations, health services are stretched and budgets overspent. The local HSPC predicts an overspend of £3 million this year, less than two per cent of budget but not encouraging. Savings will again be required and could well come in reduced social care provision, less respite care offered for those with learning disability and so on. Few will object if the ALFY phone advice service ceases because of minimal use. Patients, carers and families need clarity on what the realistic options for improvement and potential changes to generate savings are and how that will affect them and their community.

Support your community and the HSCP - go to your local meeting and ask these questions.

Dr Philip Gaskell Woodlands Lodge Buchanan Castle Estate Drymen