South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) has released its Annual Performance Report for 2023/24, highlighting the resilience and forward-thinking approach of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (SLHSCP) in response to continuing challenges within health and social care.
The report comes at a time when workforce challenges, financial pressures and increasing demand for services face health and social care systems across Scotland. However, the 2023/24 report paints a picture of determination and creativity, with staff and partners continuing to deliver quality care, while simultaneously driving forward critical reforms to meet future needs.
Lesley McDonald, Chair of the South Lanarkshire IJB, said:
“This report demonstrates that even in the face of complex challenges, we remain committed to the health and wellbeing of our community. We are deeply grateful to our staff and partners for their incredible work throughout the year, and to our communities for their ongoing support.”
Ms McDonald emphasised that the report reflects not just the hurdles faced, but the strides made towards creating a more sustainable and efficient health and social care system:
“Despite facing financial and workforce pressures, our teams have implemented significant improvements across several areas, such as the polypharmacy reviews and reductions in prescribing costs. These initiatives are about much more than balancing budgets; they’re about improving the quality of care for those who rely on our services.”
The report also outlines ambitious goals for the future, with a focus on innovation in care delivery. This includes efforts such as streamlining discharge processes through the new Optimal Discharge Planning Target Operating Model and expanding virtual capacity to reduce hospital bed occupancy, improving patient flow across the system.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of the South Lanarkshire IJB, commented on the broader implications of the report for the future of health and social care:
“This year’s Annual Performance Report is both a reflection of what has been achieved under difficult circumstances and also provides a blueprint for where we are heading. We are actively redesigning services to ensure they remain responsive and sustainable, while continuing to place patient safety and staff wellbeing at the forefront.”
In addition to addressing immediate challenges, the report highlights ongoing investments in digital transformation and workforce support, recognising that sustainable solutions will require a combination of compassionate care, operational efficiency and technological advancements.
Professor Sengupta added: “The efforts we are making now will help ensure that the health and social care system in South Lanarkshire remains resilient and continues to deliver high-quality care in the years to come. This includes innovative practices such as the use of virtual capacity and our comprehensive approach to prescribing efficiencies.”
The 2023/24 Annual Performance Report is available online for public viewing under agenda item 13 in the IJB meeting papers here.
Picture caption: (from left to right) Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of the South Lanarkshire IJB, Lesley McDonald, Chair of the South Lanarkshire IJB and Councillor Margaret Walker, Vice Chair of the South Lanarkshire IJB.
