The events, run by South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), are open to all members of the public, and participants will be asked for their views and insights on the future delivery of care in the homes, as well as having an opportunity to provide thoughts on sustainable and viable alternatives.

Craig Cunningham, Head of Commissioning and Performance for the HSCP, said: “These public meetings are a key part of a wider programme of consultation concerning the future of Dewar House and McClymont House. In addition to the public meetings, we will be engaging with all residents, families, and staff directly.

Mr Cunningham added, “Our consultation will be undertaken in full compliance with national guidance, with impartiality reinforced under the oversight of an independent advisory panel. We recognise that consultation processes on local services can be an anxious time and we are listening very carefully to all views.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “We have a duty of care to all residents, and we take these responsibilities extremely seriously. We will continue to meet residents’ needs and prioritise their well-being throughout the consultation process and beyond it, regardless of the outcome.”

This consultation process is being undertaken as part of a wider plan to address a recurring budget shortfall of £21 million for adult and older people’s social care in South Lanarkshire.

Professor Sengupta added: “The sheer size of the funding challenges that we are confronted with means that increasingly difficult choices are going to be inevitable. The priority for my leadership team and I is to do our utmost to protect services and supports for the most vulnerable and at-risk across all of our communities.

“No decision has been taken about the future of either of these care homes, and we will continue to work with residents and their families as the consultation continues. These events are a reflection of that commitment, and we encourage participation.”

Where and when:

Lanark

• Public Consultation Event - Monday, 27 November 2023, 6 pm - 7:30 pm @ Harry Smith Centre, Thomas Taylor Avenue, Lanark, ML11 7DG
• Public Consultation Event - Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 3 pm - 4:30 pm @ Harry Smith Centre, Thomas Taylor Avenue, Lanark, ML11 7DG

Hamilton

• Public Consultation Event - Monday, 4 December 2023, 6 pm - 7:30 pm @ SLC HQ Banqueting Hall, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA
• Public Consultation Event - Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 3 pm - 4:30 pm @ SLC HQ Banqueting Hall, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA

Please note capacity in the venues is limited, and once the limit is reached, people will be advised to attend another event or submit comments in writing (details will be provided).

Due to expected demand, people are asked to attend only one event.

Separate arrangements are being shared for consultation with residents/relatives and staff.

Officers from SLHSCP will attend to provide context and to support capturing the consultation question responses.

A Q&A on the consultation and its background can be read here: https://www.slhscp.org.uk/downloads/file/436/residential_care_homes_consultation_faqs