IJB appoints new Chair
A PASSING of the baton was seen at Dumfries and Galloway’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) on 4 March – with Kim Dams appointed to succeed Andy McFarlane as Chair following his two-year tenure.
The IJB is an independent body responsible for setting out strategic plans for health and adult social care in the region.
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership is the separate organisation responsible for ensuring that the directions issued by the IJB are implemented by the NHS and Council.
Speaking as he departs the role as Chair of the IJB, Mr McFarlane said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair over the past two years, during which we have faced both challenges and opportunities in shaping the future of health and social care in Dumfries and Galloway.
“We have made important strides in improving integration between services through the likes of our Home Teams, which now sees daily collaboration to ensure people are receiving the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
“We’ve also seen the IJB take some very significant decisions, around the development of cottage hospital sites to serve their communities, and on maternity services in Wigtownshire.
“While significant pressures remain, particularly around workforce sustainability and rising demand, I am proud of the progress we have made in strengthening collaboration and planning for the future.
“I have every confidence that Kim Dams will bring dedication and insight to the role, leading the IJB through the next phase of its work. The commitment of everyone involved in health and social care — staff, Carers, volunteers, and service users — remains vital to ensuring we continue to provide high-quality, person-centred support to communities across the region.”
Chief officer Nicole Hamlet acknowledged Mr McFarlane’s contribution and expressed her enthusiasm for the work ahead.
Ms Hamlet said: “I want to thank Andy for his leadership and dedication during his time as Chair. His efforts have helped shape the direction of health and social care very positively in Dumfries and Galloway, and I look forward to welcoming Kim into this role at the start of April, and to working with her over the next two years.”
The IJB will continue its work in developing strategic plans for health and social care in the region, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and delivering effective services that meet the needs of local communities.
Andy McFarlane was appointed as IJB Chair in April 2023. He is an elected member of Dumfries and Galloway Council, representing Dee and Glenkens Ward.
Kim Dams was appointed as Vice-Chair in April 2023. She is chief executive of DG Voice, an organisation which represents disabled people in Dumfries and Galloway, and is also on the board of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway.
The meeting also appointed board member Ian Carruthers as vice-chair of the IJB. Both appointments will take effect from 1 April 2025.