Home News Event focussing on future model of care welcomed by the community

Latest News

Event focussing on future model of care welcomed by the community

Published: Tuesday, 06 August 2019

Event focussing on future model of care welcomed by the community

AN event focussing on significant plans to modernise care has been widely welcomed by the local community.

Around 200 people, of all ages, attended the information day at Blantyre Miners Welfare on Wednesday 31 July. The event provided an opportunity for people to hear about – and, crucially, offer their views – on a proposed health and social Care Hub in the heart of Blantyre.

Feedback highlighted strong support for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s (SLHSCP) direction of travel in providing a model of health and social care fit for the future. The feedback also captured local concerns around some practical aspects of the Care Hub proposals, including matters relating to parking and access.

Results of a survey, which has been published on the Partnership’s website, showed that 96% of respondents said the event provided a good opportunity to make their views known on new care facilities. Asked to rate the overall event, 49% said it was good and 48% of respondents said it was very good.

Val de Souza, Chief Officer of SLHSCP said: “Our primary objective was to provide comprehensive information on the proposals and the direction of travel of our Partnership.

“As we continue to strengthen many of 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 growing dependency can be supported in their own home.

“The ongoing programme of modernising our care homes and the proposed Care Hub concept seeks to build on this, offering people real choice and to live independently where possible and appropriate.

Ms de Souza added: “What we heard at the event, and what we’ve gleaned from feedback, is that there is broad and strong support for the Care Hub concept and our direction of travel. We also heard, however, that there is particular local concerns in Blantyre over issues including traffic and access. People can rest assured we’ve taken on board all points of view through the various mechanisms that were made available on the day – and are still open.”

Visitors to the open day were offered full information on the plans – including sight of a 3D model of the proposed development which is subject to planning procedures. There was provision at the event to offer comments relating to the proposals to South Lanarkshire Council’s planning service

Health and social care staff were also on hand to offer extensive information on innovative services, ranging from telehealth to support for unpaid carers, and reasons for developing a new model of care.

Ms de Souza added: “Communities themselves are a vital component of the partnership. I believe that the recent event, and the feedback we’ve received, exemplifies our commitment to openness, transparency and engaging in ongoing conversations. It also typified our vision: Working together to improve health and wellbeing in the community – with the community.

  • A survey conducted at the event is available to view at this web link: https://bit.ly/2YECxL3
  • Another drop in event is scheduled for Blantyre Miners Welfare on August 20th 2019 5pm – 7pm.

    Notes to editors:

    The proposed new Care Hub – which is now subject to normal planning procedures – 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. Intermediate/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 support
  • 20 technology enabled homes for adults and older people.

    How can communities continues to have their 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 https://bit.ly/2K1B4VP

    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:

    Email: maureen.bridges@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

    Or write to:

    The future of care

    c/o Maureen Bridges

    South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership

    Floor 9 Council Offices

    Almada Street

    Hamilton

    ML3 0AA

    Where can I find more?

    For more information watch this short animation: https://vimeo.com/347713749 or visit www.slhscp.org.uk