NHS seeks input on plan

WORK is underway to develop a new plan for health and social care in Dumfries and Galloway.

The plan will shape care and support for the next three years.

It builds on the 2016/19 plan, which gave a direction of travel for the next 10 years.

Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board has launched a consultation document seeking people’s thoughts and views about health and social care in the future.  

Julie White, chief officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We’re encouraging everyone in the region to have a voice in shaping health and social care by telling us what is important to them.

“This will inform our priorities for areas of focus and resources over the coming years.

“This covers everything from hospitals to GP practices, care homes to care at home services and day centres.

“It’s a massive area of work but crucial that we know our approach is aligned with the insights and views provided by the people who access and benefit from these services and their families and carers.”

It is important that as many people as possible are involved in helping to develop the plan.

It will affect everyone who currently uses, may need to use in the future or who provides health and social care and support in Dumfries and Galloway.

It also affects and involves third, independent and statutory sector partners.

A process, which offers people the opportunity to engage and share their experience and views, will take place over the next few months.  

Ms White said: “COVID-19 makes engaging with people a more challenging and complicated process but work in health and social care will continue to evolve, despite the coronavirus.

“I urge everyone to ensure their voice is heard and to play an active role in shaping health and social care and support to ensure they continue to meet the needs of people for years to come.”

People can get involved by reading the consultation document on www.dghscp.co.uk/strategicplan and answering the questions through Smart Survey, email, post or by phone. www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8HFWIV/ 

The QR code for the survey is Dg.spcp@nhs.net

People can write to Strategic Planning and Commissioning, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, 2^nd Floor, South Wing, Mountainhall Treatment Centre, Dumfries, DG1 4AP or call 01387 272734.

Hard copies of the consultation document are available only on request and all presentations and workshops will be done online over MSTeams.

The presentations and workshops are from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday, December 2; from 9.30am to 11.30am on Tuesday, December 8; and from 11am to 12pm on Wednesday, December 16.

Further dates can be arranged for you/your organisation by contacting us.

If you would like some help understanding the information contained in the consultation document or you need it in another format or language, please contact Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership by phoning 01387 272734 or emailing Dg.spcp@nhs.net 

The closing date for comments on this phase of the process is January 17.