The public have been thanked for their ‘heart-warming’ thoughts and sentiment as health and social care services contend with unyielding pressures.
Health and social care leaders revealed they have received a flurry of kind and well-wishing correspondence from local residents as they renew appeals for ongoing support.
Sustained pressures and demand on the health and social care system have been well-documented. Services, including Lanarkshire’s three acute hospitals and general practices, continue to work through unparalleled demand due to combined factors such as the continued impact of Covid 19, influenza and the cost of living crisis.
Ross McGuffie, Chief Officer of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, explained how he’s been personally moved by the response to one direct appeal for public help.
“Our collaboration with people in communities and unpaid carers is as crucial as it’s ever been. It’s been well-documented that pressure is particularly pronounced on hospitals across the nation. Lanarkshire is no different and the situation faced is exceptionally difficult. We have been appealing, in effect, for families and carers – particularly of those coming out of hospital – to be as flexible, responsive and supportive as possible at this time.
“In return, we have received great understanding and support.”
Mr McGuffie added: “We completely understand that many of the challenges facing our services are also the cause of significant frustration and anxiety amongst the public.
“We are seeing many incidences of people recognising the complexities of the situation and taking the time to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of what our staff are doing to manage the challenges.
“We are grateful for people’s thoughtfulness and indeed patience and forbearance as we maintain and direct vital capacity to support those most in need,” said Mr McGuffie.
Despite the challenges on the hospital system, patients will only go home when it is safe to do so. This means hospital teams have assessed them as being medically stable.
Ongoing support will depend on needs of the individual and hospital teams will assess and discuss with patients and their families what this will look like and arrange the services accordingly.
To reduce ongoing strain on resources and focus on the most medically unwell, both North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships are in dialogue with service users and families to identify specific care requirements over the winter period.
Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care, added: “Our leaders, staff and teams continue to rise to every challenge, which is testament to their resilience, fortitude and commitment to the wellbeing of local people.
“People in our communities should be absolutely assured that our committed staff and partners are doing their utmost to keep people safe and to deliver the best care possible in unprecedented circumstances.”
Mr Sengupta added: “Similar to my colleague, I fully recognise this can be can be an anxious and indeed frustrating time for people. Similarly, there’s also not a day that passes when I don’t receive feedback about a member of staff or how a service has changed someone’s life for the better.
“We are grateful for the public’s understanding – and appreciative of this kindness – at what continues to be an exceptionally testing period.”
Public reminded of key routes to care
Eddie Docherty, Chair of NHS Lanarkshire Strategic Command, explained that, as part of winter plans, clear public messaging will continue to be highly visible across the period.
The campaigns are supporting people to take a proactive approach to staying healthy – and how to use health and social care services appropriately if support is needed.
“When support is needed, we recognise it’s really important there is clear and reliable information on how to access the right help and support for specific health needs.
“I would echo national messaging that planning ahead can help ensure that coughs, colds, and minor ailments don’t become a big problem for you and your family over winter.
“Having some remedies in the house is a good idea and knowing where to get help if someone does become unwell is also important so it’s good to note your GP and pharmacy opening times over the holidays.
Mr Docherty added: “We also recommend the information available online at www.nhsinform.scot which include symptom-checkers that enable individuals and families to make more informed choices.”
People are being asked to:
- Go to A&E if they have a life threatening condition such as a stroke, heart attack or severe bleeding
- If it’s not an emergency then they can: contact their general practice during the day, call NHS 24 on 111 day or night, visit your local pharmacy or use the self-help guides on NHS inform for practical advice and information.
Mr Docherty continued: “These messages are really clear, and will be prominent in the coming days and weeks. We know that this is an especially tough winter for many people and are hugely grateful for the continuing support of our local communities.”
Image – (left) Ross McGuffie – Chief Officer of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire and (right) Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care.
