Spotlight on NHS Dumfries and Galloway at annual review

Spotlight on NHS Dumfries and Galloway at Annual Review

Health Minister Neil Gray visited Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for the annual review with NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief officer Julie White, and NHS Scotland chief operating officer John Burns. A ministerial-led annual review of NHS Dumfries and Galloway has considered the board’s performance over the past 12 months.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, and chief operating officer of NHS Scotland, John Burns, attended the event which took place at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Mr Gray met local NHS staff and patients to get an idea of their perspectives and issues that are affecting them and said: “The review is an annual event that’s aimed at discussing how effectively the Board has delivered local services in the preceding year, and exploring key future developments and challenges.”

Interim chairperson for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Marsali Caig, introduced some of the key information relating to the past year and she said: “I think we’ve got some very clear reflections on what 2023/24 felt like. It was really the first full year where we saw just how much things had changed and been changed by the pandemic.”

Ms Caig highlighted considerable work around the safe and efficient redesign of services, noting the strategic direction from Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board in areas such as maternity services in Wigtownshire, and through the Right Care, Right Place programme. Looking towards the board’s performance on the subject of waiting lists, Ms Caig added: “I think it’s fair to say that every day spent on a waiting list feels too long.”

Ms Caig then spoke to data focused on treatment time guarantees, new outpatient appointments, diagnostic scopes, diagnostic imaging, mental health services, hospital flow. She also noted that 15 international staff had been recruited across a range of specialties.

Setting out key plans, Ms Caig noted planned improvements around dementia diagnosis and follow-up support, improving theatre utilization, and for cancer care improving approaches to screening, pre-habilitation, rapid cancer diagnostic service, psychological support and MacMillan Improving the Cancer Journey. Improvement is also planned around mental health, CAMHS and in unscheduled care.

After watching some videos focused on areas of work, the meeting was then opened to questions either submitted from advance or from those present. Bringing the Annual Review to a close, Mr Gray said a summary of the key points will be published on the board’s website.

In conclusion, the annual review of NHS Dumfries and Galloway highlighted the ongoing challenges and successes within the healthcare system. The commitment to improving services, addressing waiting times and recruitment issues, as well as focusing on preventative care and partnership working, demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting the needs of the community.

Insights:
The annual review of NHS Dumfries and Galloway reflects the dedication of healthcare professionals in providing quality services to the local community. By addressing challenges, such as waiting times and recruitment issues, and focusing on preventive care, the board aims to enhance the overall healthcare experience for patients. The collaborative efforts and future plans outlined during the review indicate a commitment to continuous improvement and patient-centered care.