People across Lanarkshire are being invited to comment on the refreshed version of Our Health Together, NHS Lanarkshire’s long-term strategy for improving health and care.
Originally developed through extensive engagement with patients, carers, staff, communities, voluntary organisations and partners, Our Health Together was published in 2024 and sets the long-term direction for improving health and care across Lanarkshire.
Its long-term vision remains unchanged: to enable healthier, longer lives by providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time, first time.
The 2026 – 2029 refresh updates the strategy to reflect progress, current pressures, changing population needs and new national priorities. It also strengthens the connection between NHS Lanarkshire’s long-term ambitions and how they will be delivered over the next three years.
In a joint statement NHS Lanarkshire Board Vice Chair Donald Reid and Chief Executive Louise Long said: “People across Lanarkshire helped shape Our Health Together, and the long-term direction it set remains right. This refresh recognises the progress that has been made while being honest about the pressures our services, our staff and our communities continue to face.
“Before the refreshed strategy is considered by the NHS Lanarkshire Board, we want to check that the direction is clear, that nothing important is missing or under-emphasised, and that we understand what matters most to people as we put the strategy into practice.
“Just as importantly, we want this to mark a new chapter in how we engage with people. We want to build on the conversations that have already shaped Our Health Together by making listening and involvement an even more regular part of how NHS Lanarkshire works. This four-week check-in is an important opportunity for people to have their say and the beginning of a continuing conversation as we work together to improve health and care across Lanarkshire.”
To read the refreshed strategy, access the supporting information and complete the feedback questionnaire, visit: Our Health Together – NHS Lanarkshire
Key information:
The refreshed strategy is organised around four outcomes:
- Better Health – improving outcomes and reducing unfair differences
- Better Care – safer, better and more timely care
- Better Workplace – supporting people to thrive, contribute and live NHS Lanarkshire’s values
- Better Value – making the best use of money, people and resources.
- The document recognises progress in areas such as developing alternatives to hospital care and making greater use of digital technology. It is also clear about the challenges that remain, including pressure on access and patient flow, health inequalities, workforce pressures and financial sustainability.
- Alongside the refreshed strategy, NHS Lanarkshire has published a You Said, We Did summary explaining what people told us during the original engagement, what has changed, how progress is being experienced and what still needs attention. A dedicated Our Health Together web hub also brings together frequently asked questions, information about the four outcomes and details of how to take part.
- Before the refreshed strategy is considered by the NHS Lanarkshire Board on 30 September 2026, NHS Lanarkshire is inviting patients, carers, staff, communities and partners to review the refreshed strategy and provide feedback through a short online questionnaire. Alternative ways to take part are available for anyone who cannot access or use the online questionnaire. The four-week check-in runs until Sunday 6 September 2026.
- Following Board consideration, NHS Lanarkshire will publish a summary explaining what was heard, what changed as a result of the feedback, what still needs attention and how people will continue to be involved as the strategy moves into delivery.
