A VIDEO which sees 200 health and social care staff and volunteers from across Dumfries and Galloway sing about ‘working together’ is quickly gaining popularity across the Internet.
Nearly 32,000 people have so far watched a video uploaded last Wednesday which sees everyone from a GP to the General Manager of ICT, a social work team to care home staff help promote the work which takes place across Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership.
A spokesman for the Partnership, which has responsibility for the vast bulk of health and adult social care services, said: “There have been really significant changes in the structure of Scottish health and social care over the last few years, but we were aware that people might not realise just how integrated things have become under the Health and Social Care Partnerships.
“We thought a music video showcasing just some of the vast range of work taking place within our region might help to illustrate the scale of that integration, and also help strengthen that bond between all staff and volunteers.
“We licensed the rights to the song ‘Lets Work Together’, as popularised in the 60s by Canned Heat, and set about creating the video entirely in-house – utilising the skills of the men and women who work and volunteer within the Partnership.
“The response to the idea itself was overwhelming, and we simply weren’t able to feature everyone in the video. However, everyone who gave up just a couple of minutes from their busy days to take part had a great time, and we’re looking to continue filming over coming months to create different versions, and with a different focus.
“We owe thanks to so many people, including local radio DJ Lee Medd who very kindly provided a voiceover at the start of the video – as our central character sets off to work within the Partnership.
“Hopefully together we’ve helped to spread the message about ‘working together’, and demonstrated that Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership is a great place to live, work and play.”
Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Staff Nurse Christine Potts helps introduce the video, seen cycling to work at the new £212 million hospital which was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in July 2018.
Christine said: “I initially responded to say that my hospital ward, D7, would be keen to feature – and they did a fantastic job.
“But as a result of that, I found myself being asked to take on the role of helping to introduce the video’s whistle-stop tour around some of the work taking place across Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership on any given day.
“I’d never done anything like this before, but I have to say it was a huge amount of fun. It’s really rewarding that so many people now have a better understanding of all the services which take place within the Partnership, and they can see just how great a place the region is to come and work in. As the video shows, we’re a very friendly bunch.”
Julie White is Chief Officer for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Partnership, as well as Chief Operating Officer for NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
Speaking about the video, Julie said: “We’re really pleased to be able to share this video showcasing the amazing activity which takes place on a daily basis right across the Partnership, which is made up of the NHS, the local authority, the Third Sector and Independent Sector.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our staff and volunteers who are dedicated to taking forward our aims of improving the health and wellbeing of our communities and delivering excellent health and social care to those requiring support.
“We’d also welcome anyone who has an interest in working within the Partnership to get in touch, and find out about the many excellent opportunities which exist within Dumfries and Galloway.”
