South Lanarkshire’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) has highlighted the impact of lived and living experiences in helping develop local health and social care services – with the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Forum (HSCF) recognised as providing a key contribution to this.
The HSCF helps to shape health and social care issues across South Lanarkshire, providing an inclusive bridge between local communities and strategic decision-makers. Members of the HSCF are also actively involved in Lanarkshire-wide developments, including the Monklands Replacement Programme (MRP).
Margaret Moncrieff, Chair of the South Lanarkshire HSCF and service user representative on the IJB, said: “The report presented to the South Lanarkshire IJB reflects the tireless work of volunteers and community representatives who bring both their lived and living experience to the table.
“Given the ongoing challenges facing health and social care services, it is all the more important that lived and living experience insights and perspectives continue to inform the critical work being undertaken to deliver the best possible outcomes for local communities.”
The HSCF exists to empower patients, services users, carers and the general public to ensure the community has a voice in the planning and consultation of health and social care services.
Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of the IJB, added: “The IJB and our Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) have a track-record of embracing lived and living experience perspectives to enhance the development and delivery of local services.
“From supporting improvements that address delayed discharges to informing the development of prescribing guidelines and contributing to national research, the HSCF continues to play an important role in helping improve services and supports.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of the IJB, stated: “We share the commitment of South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partners to work with each other and with the communities we serve to provide the best possible services that local people want and need.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Margaret and all members of the Health and Social Care Forum for their commitment, insight and constructive challenge. I’m equally grateful to everyone who shares their time and experiences to help shape the health and care services of tomorrow.”
Do you have an interest in health and social care issues? Would you like the opportunity to help shape these services in South Lanarkshire? Please contact LQA@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk for more details.
