South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership is holding another drop in session focussing on significant plans to modernise care. This follows an event in Blantyre Miners Welfare on July 31 which was welcomed by the local community.  

There will be lots of scope to tell us your views and opportunities to shape the community hub.  The information evening will be also held in Blantyre Miners Welfare on Tuesday 20 August 2019 between 5pm and 7pm.  All are welcome to attend.

What is the purpose of the event?

In essence, its to give people the chance to come along and find out more about the plans for a state-of-the-art, new-build facility at the site of the former St Joseph's school in Blantyre, which is now subject to the normal planning process.  It's also very much about the bigger picture: in effect we want to keep the community fully updated about what we are doing, how we are doing it and, crucially, the reasons why.

So why the need for this investment?

We are developing a model of care that will enhance our ability to meet changing care needs, particularly in light of significant population change.  This situation is not just about us working to national policy.  It's also about responding to what we are hearing loud and clear.  The public have told us - in various forms of dialogue - that, where at all possible, they would prefer to be cared for in their own homes.

How can this shift be attained now?

As we continue to strengthen many of our community-based supports, increasingly, people who might previously have moved into a care home on a long term basis because of ill health and/or increasing dependency can be supported in their own home.  The ongoing programme of modernising our care homes seeks to build on this desire for 'home first' care and support.  The programme will also be built on the strong partnership foundations that are making this increase in independent living possible.

So, what will the new Care Hub in Blantyre/Hamilton Locality look like?

The new Care Hub (architects drawing above) will serve South Lanarkshire and has four distinct elements:

• 20 transitional care beds for adults and older people (intermediate/transitional care offers short term support with the objective of allowing people to return home following a period of ill health or crisis. Transitional care can also be preventative, preventing hospital admission)
• A centre of excellence – specialising in training and development of health and social care staff. Although unique to the proposed Hamilton/Blantyre facility, this will support all localities
• A community-facing hub featuring: a café; demonstration site (showcasing our Telehealth technology and how that can improve lives); guidance and support for unpaid carers; linkage and signposting into a raft of community-based voluntary and third sector supports
• 20 technology enabled homes for adults and older people

Overall, the focus is on the desire for people to remain at home when possible and appropriate.  This is also geared to supporting the increasing number of unpaid carers in our communities.

Why should I visit the drop in event?

Key members of staff will be on hand to tell you more about the multi-million pound investment, the overall ethos and the spirit of innovative partnership working and services that characterise a model of care ready for the future - and the needs of local people.

Feedback gathered at the previous engagement event, at Blantyre Miners Welfare pointed to broad support for our direction of travel and the Care Hub concept. 

There were, however, specific concerns noted over matters including:

• Construction
• Access to School
• Covered/Gated walkway
• Traffic Access
• Residential Beds
• Parking

You can read more about how the last event was received here.

We also want to listen to your views.

The event is also part of the partnership's commitment to being open and fully transparent.  We've embarked on widespread engagement already with stakeholders and communities and will continue to do so.

What if I can't attend?

There's still plenty of scope to have your say:

On matters of planning:
For specific comments on the plans there is an opportunity to comment at the South Lanarkshire Council planning portal on the South Lanarkshire Council website

At today’s event there is a Comments Box on the planning table: 

Or write to:

Planning and Building Standards Headquarters
Montrose House
154 Montrose Crescent
Hamilton ML3 6LB
Email: planning@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

For comments relating to overall direction of travel:

There has been various platforms to express your views on the overall direction of travel at today’s event.  There will be another event at Blantyre Miners Welfare, Tuesday 20 August 2019 from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Alternatively, if you would like to comment on the above and any theme at today’s event, please email: Maureen.Bridges@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Or write to:

The future of care
c/o Maureen Bridges
South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership
South Lanarkshire Council Offices
Floor 9, Almada Street,
Hamilton,
ML3 0AA

Where can I find more?
For more information watch this short animation:
UPDATE
 

Regular updates will be featured on the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership web pages: www.slhscp.org.uk