Members of NHS Lanarkshire’s Board saw how strategy, planning, transformation, operational delivery and performance are being brought more closely together to support better care across Lanarkshire.
Non-Executive Directors Donald Reid, Scott Haldane and Phillip Couser, accompanied by Board Secretary Jennifer Haynes, took part in the walkaround, which gave them an opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the work of the Service Transformation, Planning and Performance Directorate.
The visit was led by Ben Hannan, Director of Service Transformation, Planning and Performance. Board members heard how teams are helping the health and care system understand the needs of Lanarkshire’s population, plan future services, develop new models of care and use data and evidence to understand performance, support improvement and inform decisions.
The programme included discussions on strategic and service planning, performance and assurance, digital and remote care, Hospital at Home, primary care interfaces, pathway redesign and e-triage.
Staff also shared their perspectives on what is working well, where stronger connections across the directorate could add value and how its combined expertise can better support health and care priorities across Lanarkshire.
Ben said: “The purpose of the visit was to show how the different parts of the directorate connect, from understanding population need and setting strategic direction through to redesigning services, supporting delivery and measuring impact.
“We have a considerable range of expertise across the directorate. Our focus is on strengthening the connections between those functions so that we can work effectively as one team and provide the best possible support to services across Lanarkshire.
“It was particularly valuable for Board members to hear directly from colleagues about the work already under way, the challenges they are addressing and the opportunities they see for the future.”
The visit culminated in a tour of the Flow Navigation Centre, where Board members met staff working around the clock to support unscheduled care.
Board members heard how the centre helps assess and navigate patients to the most appropriate pathway, including alternatives to hospital-based care where these can safely meet their needs.
Donald Reid, Vice Chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The walkaround demonstrated the importance of connecting our understanding of population need with how services are planned, transformed and delivered.
“As the health and care system continues to evolve, we need to ensure that our strategic ambitions translate into practical improvements for patients and staff. The Flow Navigation Centre is a strong example of this in action, bringing together clinical expertise, coordination and innovation to help people receive the right care in the right place.”
“On behalf of the Board team, I would like to thank everyone who spoke with us and shared their experience, insight and ambitions for the future.”
Colleagues contributing to the visit included Michelle Higgins, Claire Ritchie, Dr Gordon McNeish, Laura McCabe, Faith McCrea, Ross Edwards, Euan Duguid, Roslyn Rafferty, Kerry Ann Gunnis, Frances Brownlie, Yvonne Allan, Ashley McCann, Colin Maxwell, John Gomez and Lorraine Forrest.
