7 August 2015

Progress on the major review of clinical services underway in NHS Borders was outlined and endorsed at yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Board.

Plans include wide reaching public and staff engagement based on the theme “What matters to you?”

Other questions being posed across the Borders community are; what can be done to improve services for patients, families and carers? And how can NHS Borders engage better with patients, families, carers and the wider public?

The progress report by Dr Sheena MacDonald, NHS Borders Medical Director, outlined a variety of opportunities for engagement between now and November including; informal coffee and conversation sessions with the Chief Executive, Jane Davidson, John Raine, Chairman and other Board members, information sessions, events, presentations, surveys, focus groups and working with local media channels.

Last year NHS Borders Board launched a clinical Strategy for consultation with staff and public. The outcome of this consultation has formed the basis for the review of clinical services, starting with in-patient services.

Dr MacDonald informed the Board that current work is being incorporated into the review this includes the relocation of the Mental Health rehabilitation inpatient services from the Galavale site in Galashiels to Crumhaugh House in Hawick and the development of a purpose built children & young people’s centre at Borders General Hospita

In addition to these existing projects there are new service areas for review including high dependency and critical care and work around pathways for frail elderly people.

John Raine, NHS Borders Chairman said: “The Board was pleased to endorse the progress being made.”

Now we want people across the Borders to let us know how they believe we can improve and what it is that really matters to them as individuals in terms of health and social care services.”

The report is available to find at /media/335137/appendix-2015-90-health-in-your-hands.pdf. Feedback and views are welcome throughout the review of clinical services process. Feedback can be given by email to public.involvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk or by telephone 01896 28294.