A PROJECT aimed at shaping the future of health and social care services in Moffat and Beattock is entering its next phase.
Work is about to begin on bringing together an options appraisal group which will be asked to consider what approaches could result in a sustainable model of care, meeting current and future needs.
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Locality Manager for Annandale and Eskdale Gary Sheehan said: “We’re very pleased to now be at the stage where we can start to consider what options could best meet the present and future health and social care needs of Moffat and Beattock.
“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point, including those who took part in a five-month public survey developed in conjunction with The Scottish Health Council who have a key role in supporting NHS Boards and monitoring how they carry out their statutory duty to involve patients and the public in the planning and delivery of NHS services.
“This next stage will take this information and consider it within the context of challenges we know that we’re set to face, which include an increasingly ageing population, national demand for medical professionals, the rurality of the region and continuing financial pressures.
Gary added: “The prospect of change to services can result in apprehension, but we’re already being required to introduce changes resulting from the new 2018 national GP contract affecting services such as prescriptions, blood tests and treatment for minor ailments.
“If we do not consider options for the future of health and social care services in Moffat and Beattock which take all of this into account, then we run the risk of having a model of care which will shortly be no longer fit for the evolving needs of these communities.
“We also need to take full consideration of the resources – both staffing and financial – we have to deliver services both now and in the future.”
The survey undertaken as part of the work has been published, and was presented at a well-attended public event at Moffat House Hotel at the end of May.
Gary said: “I’m conscious that David Mundell MP and Oliver Mundell MSP have launched another survey in the area, based on five yes or no questions.
“Unfortunately, there are no simple answers to the future of health and social care, and we do not have the unlimited resources in terms of staffing or money to fulfil aspirations founded around the status quo.
“We will work with the community, and local elected members, to achieve the best sustainable health and social care outcomes for the communities of Moffat and Beattock.
“The clock is ticking, and so I would invite anyone who feels they could contribute to this important work as a potential member of the options appraisal group that will help shape a sustainable future model of health and social care services in the Moffat and Beattock areas to get in touch.”
Anyone with an interest in taking part in the options appraisal can contact Liz Forsyth on 01576 205520 or by email at [email protected]
