Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care

news

Plan to secure future of region’s GP services gets green light

news / By

A plan to secure the future of GP services in Dumfries and Galloway has been given the go-ahead, with local health and social care leaders vowing to tackle growing pressures head-on.

Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) have approved a proposal to develop a long-term vision for general medical practices across the region, aiming to address recruitment struggles, rising demand, and evolving patient needs.

IJB Chair Andy McFarlane said: “This is a crucial period for primary care in Dumfries and Galloway. The pressures on our general medical practices have reached a point where we must take action to ensure they remain sustainable and fit for the future.”

The initiative will see health teams, local communities, and other stakeholders working together to review how GP services are delivered. Key areas of focus include improving recruitment and retention of GPs, making better use of technology, and ensuring patients know how to access services effectively.

Another key requirement is to promote a better understanding of how practices have evolved under the current General Medical Services (GMS) contract.

Practices are now increasingly staffed by a range of medical professionals with different, distinct areas of expertise – including Advanced Practitioners, Clinical Pharmacists and Mental Health Nurses – with the GP serving as expert generalist.

IJB members also requested more be done to promote more public awareness that practices are busier than ever, but now using more advanced appointing systems which help manage patient flow and reduce congestion in waiting rooms.

Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership’s Interim Chief Officer Nicole Hamlet said: “Our general medical practices are the bedrock of the NHS, accounting for 90% of patient interactions.

“They’ve adapted incredibly over the years, especially during the pandemic, but the challenges they face now demand we act to ensure their sustainability. This is about safeguarding care for everyone in our region.”

The move comes as rural practices across Scotland grapple with sustainability issues, with some unable to attract new GPs. Dumfries and Galloway has seen several practices hand back their NHS contracts in recent years, forcing the health board to step in and run them directly.

The approved proposal will now move into its next phase, with engagement planned over the coming months to develop a more detailed vision by March 2025.

Mr McFarlane said: “This isn’t just about keeping the doors open, it’s about reimagining what general practice services can be, making them stronger, more efficient, and better equipped to meet the needs of our communities.”

Strategy to support Dumfries and Galloway’s unpaid Carers

news / By

A major new strategy to improve support for unpaid Carers across Dumfries and Galloway has been officially approved by health and social care leaders at a meeting in Dumfries.

Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) has adopted the Carers Strategy 2025-2028, marking a significant step forward for the thousands of unpaid carers in the region.

The strategy, titled ‘More of the Same Won’t Do’, aims to transform the support available to the estimated 20,000 Carers in the region who collectively provide over half a million hours of unpaid care every week.

Chair of the IJB Andy McFarlane described the decision as a ‘milestone moment’, and said: “Carers are the backbone of our care system, and this strategy is about giving them the recognition and support they deserve.

“It’s a bold plan to make sure Carers are valued, their rights are respected, and their own wellbeing is protected.”

The strategy follows extensive consultation with Carers and support organisations and responds to key issues highlighted in a 2024 survey. Many Carers reported feeling undervalued, excluded from decisions about the care of their loved ones, and unable to access vital respite services.

Mr McFarlane said: “This strategy is a response to what Carers have been telling us for years. The message is clear: more of the same won’t do. We need to deliver real change, and that starts now.”

Key priorities include:

Early identification of Carers to provide timely support.

Improved access to financial advice, respite care, and tailored support plans.

A dedicated focus on young Carers, with plans to develop a separate Young Carers Strategy.

Ensuring Carers are fully involved in decisions about care planning and hospital discharges.

The strategy’s vision is viewed simple but ambitious – that Carers are valued, their rights are upheld and respected, and their own health and wellbeing acknowledged and supported.

Mr McFarlane says that the strategy is not just a document but a call to action.

He said: “This is about putting Carers at the heart of everything we do. They provide so much to our communities, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they have the support they need to thrive in their roles.”

A fully funded delivery plan, detailing specific actions and timelines, will be presented to the IJB in March 2025. McFarlane promised that the board would work tirelessly with Carers to turn the strategy’s vision into reality.

Claudine Brindle, Chief Officer of Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre, has welcomed the IJB’s adoption of the new Carers Strategy.

She said: “Carers are essential to the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“This strategy is a commitment to them, with a blueprint for an improved future and an increased awareness of the massive contribution Carers make to the delivery of health and social care in the region.

“From our perspective, for the 20,000 plus unpaid Carers in Dumfries and Galloway the adoption of the strategy is a sign that their voices are being heard, their contributions recognised, and that there is a strong commitment to providing them with the support they require. It is also hoped that this will bring with an increased recognition amongst all health and social care staff about the role Carers play and that they too need support.”

https://dghscp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Item-9-Appendix-1-Draft-Carers-Strategy-FINAL.pdf

IJB voices backing for Galloway Community Hospital

news / By


* sub-committee recommends plans instead of review
* progress in stabilising workforce
* services must be delivered within budget

A PLAN in support of service provision at Galloway Community Hospital has been requested by health and social care leaders – describing the Stranraer facility as a ‘key part of the local healthcare estate’.

On Tuesday, Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board issued that direction to NHS Dumfries and Galloway, setting out desired outcomes including reduced locum and agency use, and services operating within budget.

Speaking after the meeting, IJB Chair Andy McFarlane said: “Within the Board there was unanimous agreement to support a report noting the very important role that Galloway Community Hospital has to play serving the people of Wigtownshire.

“At the same time, it was important to request plans for how we’re working to achieve ambitions for the hospital and the services it provides to the community.”

The report to the IJB came from its Transformation, Innovation and Futures sub-committee, which had previously been presented with an outline proposal to review services at Galloway Community Hospital in order to ensure their sustainability.

However, the sub-committee had noted the progress which has been made around stabilising the workforce within Galloway Community Hospital.

Its report said, ‘The committee agreed that, based on the update received, it was not necessary to proceed with the previously proposed review of services on the site’.

Instead, the report recommended that the IJB should issue a direction for the NHS to bring forward plans for provision of services within the available budget.

Desired outcomes included working within budget, reducing medical locum, nurse agency and AHP agency use, reducing length of stay in hospital, increasing morning and weekend discharge rates, and increasing the use of the hospital’s theatre.

Mr McFarlane said: “A proposal earlier in the year that a long-planned review of Galloway Community Hospital go ahead came at the same time as new information on the NHS’s very challenging financial position. This led to some public concern about plans for the facility, which was perhaps understandable but without foundation.

“The commitment to Galloway Community Hospital has been clear throughout. Following the improvement seen in staffing, the decisions taken on objectives for the hospital should make it clear that the IJB sees it playing a very important role within Wigtownshire for years to come.”

NHS Dumfries and Galloway intent on tackling medicines waste

news / By

MEDICINES waste in Dumfries and Galloway is costing more than £1 million each year and harming the environment, but local NHS leaders are taking steps to tackle the issue.

At a workshop, healthcare professionals from across the region gathered to confront the problem head-on.

Experts painted a stark picture of the damage caused by unused prescriptions, while also outlining innovative solutions to make prescribing safer, greener, and more effective.

A Million Pound Problem

Every year, unused medicines in Dumfries and Galloway is estimated to cost the NHS in excess of £1 million, with many of these drugs incinerated at additional environmental expense.

Interim Director of Pharmacy Gordon Loughran opened the workshop by underscoring the urgency of the problem.

Mr Loughran said: “Medicines are essential to healthcare, but the waste is staggering.

“Whether it’s unused prescriptions piling up in homes or the environmental impact of disposal, we need to do better.”

NHS Dumfries and Galloway also faces rising challenges from polypharmacy, where patients are prescribed multiple medications.

Nearly 40 per cent of residents over 75 take five or more drugs daily, often leading to unwelcome side effects, poor adherence, and waste.

Patients Feeling the Burden

Deputy Medical Director Dr Grecy Bell shared that one in five patients feels overwhelmed by their medicines, with some prescriptions doing more harm than good.

Consultant Geriatrician Dr Amy Conley illustrated the human cost with the story of a local care home resident whose long list of medications left him dizzy, confused, and immobile. After a thorough review, unnecessary drugs were stopped, transforming his quality of life.

Dr Conley said: “This isn’t just about saving money – it’s about helping patients and giving them back more control.”

Environmental Crisis

Medicines waste isn’t just a financial and clinical issue – it’s also an environmental concern.

Clinical Pharmacist Dr Emily Kennedy highlighted that the incineration of pharmaceutical waste in Dumfries and Galloway releases thousands of kilograms of CO₂ every year, with inhalers alone accounting for 4 per cent of the NHS’s carbon footprint.

Improper disposal of medicines is also contaminating local water supplies, prompting calls for unused medications to be returned.

Dr Kennedy pointed to international studies showing pharmaceutical compounds harming wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

Innovative Solutions

The workshop wasn’t all grim statistics, though. Attendees explored practical steps to address the problem, including:

  • Medication Reviews: Regular reviews in care homes to stop unnecessary prescriptions. Studies show that up to 50 per cent of care home residents are prescribed inappropriate drugs.

  • “Only Order What You Need” Campaigns: Similar initiatives elsewhere have saved over £475,000 in costs and reduced CO₂ emissions by 294 tonnes.

  • Recycling Medicines: While current rules require unused drugs to be destroyed, participants noted discussions have taken place around ways which might safely reintroduce unopened medications back into the supply chain.

Breaking Down Barriers

Workshop attendees broke into small groups to brainstorm other ideas.

Suggestions included improving patient education to reduce over-ordering and creating better systems for monitoring prescription use.

Mr Loughran said: “Ultimately, it’s a high volume of people being unwell in our region which drives the demand for medicines.

“And as part of the answer, we also need to be encouraging and supporting people to live healthier lives where possible, helping to reduce the need for medication.”

He added: “What’s apparent is that the solutions are there. Now it’s about turning ideas into action and working together to make a real difference.”

Next Steps

Insights from the workshop will feed into a Medicines Waste Implementation Plan, setting out practical actions for Dumfries and Galloway.

NHS leaders aim to roll out these initiatives over the coming months, with a focus on collaboration across primary, secondary and community care.

The move comes at a critical time, as the NHS faces increasing pressure to cut costs and reduce its carbon footprint.

Dr Kennedy said: “This is a challenge we can’t ignore. By prescribing smarter, reducing waste, and protecting our planet, we can create a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.”

What You Can Do

NHS Dumfries and Galloway is urging patients to do their part by ordering only the medicines they need, returning unused medications to pharmacies to be destroyed.

They are encouraged to inform the GP practice if no longer taking or needing a medication, and to attend regular medication reviews with the GP practice team.

Decisions taken on future role of four cottage hospitals

news / By
  • Cottage hospitals in Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Thornhill and Moffat are NOT closing.
  • Plan agreed to develop the hospitals as community hubs with a range of day and outpatient services.
  • Approach aided by commissioning of extra care beds for people who don’t need to be in a medical setting, but instead need care in a homely setting.
  • Consultation with stakeholders including staff and local people informed the decision, along with data on areas including finance, workforce, sustainability and future need.

A DECISION has been taken not to close four of the region’s cottage hospitals – and instead develop them to provide a range of important services in those communities.

Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) reached that decision at an extraordinary meeting today, where they considered a range of options for cottage hospitals in Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Thornhill and Moffat.

Options had ranged from reinstating inpatient care to closing the hospitals.

Speaking after the meeting, IJB Chair Andy McFarlane said: “A clear outcome has emerged from today’s meeting which guarantees the future of cottage hospitals in Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Thornhill and Moffat, and which should see them working effectively to serve these communities for many years to come.


“A huge amount of information informed this decision, not least the extensive engagement, the options development and consultation work which took place.

“We feel that everything we’ve seen demonstrates that cottage hospitals continue to have a very important role to play in our communities, but that this role must evolve to best meet the changing needs of our population.”

The agreement reached today means there will be no return of in-patient services, but paves the way for these cottage hospitals to be able to provide an increased range of outpatient services and treatments.

The moves are viewed as opening up the ability of the cottage hospitals to provide a much wider range of services to a much wider range of people than before, while reducing the amount of travel out of these communities.

In the case of Moffat Cottage Hospital, the building will be adapted to serve as the new, permanent location of the town’s GP practice – something which was popular within the community and vital to the sustainability of those services.

Mr McFarlane said: “We’re assured that these models are achievable and sustainable, and are best placed to meet the needs of these communities.”

In reaching these decisions, the IJB considered data on workforce, finances, views of professional advisers, assessment of deliverability, and the results of the extensive public consultation.

Mr McFarlane said: “We very definitely listened to what came through the consultation. Indeed, I attended some of the 15 in-person consultation events which took place right across the region.

“As part of that, we heard people raising calls for a return of in-patient services.

“But we had to consider whether that’s the right focus, and the right move.

“Our data consistently shows that at any point we actually have more than enough capacity in our hospitals to provide in-patient care for people who have a medical need to be in a hospital – benefiting from the full focus of our trained medical professionals.

“For those people who don’t have a medical requirement to be in hospital, but instead should be being looked after at home or in a homely setting, that’s what we should be aiming to provide. It benefits them, and it benefits the system.

“A move agreed by the IJB last autumn means we are now seeing the commissioning of flexible intermediate-care beds within care homes.

“In much more appropriate surroundings, and with much more appropriate staffing, people can receive step-down care, step-up care, and palliative and end-of-life care.

“This benefits them, and it allows these four cottage hospitals to be used as was intended – as a base from which to deliver medical services, staffed by people using their full skills as qualified medical professionals.


“We want to see these sites continue to evolve to meet changing needs. And while we’re aware of calls to go further, with the likes of minor injuries units, we have to be realistic around what we can provide, and what is safe, effective and sustainable at this time.

“Let me conclude by suggesting that people take time to engage fully with all the materials which were presented to us, and to watch the recordings of our meeting and see our deliberations. All of this is contained at this website: https://dghscp.co.uk/integration-joint-board/integration-joint-board-meetings/

“In doing so, you will see this is a decision not taken lightly, but one which has required a great deal of consideration to come up with an approach which looks to ensure people are receiving the right treatment and care in the right place, at the right time.

“This isn’t an end, but instead a step in a continuing process focused on how we best provide health and social care to our local communities.”

As an outcome from the meeting, directions have now been issued by the IJB to NHS Dumfries and Galloway to take forward the development of the four cottage hospitals as community hubs.

The IJB has also issued a direction to Dumfries and Galloway Council to ensure that they have developed a comprehensive model of social care provision within communities across the region.

Key meeting to decide future of four cottage hospitals

news / By
  • IJB meets next week to decide on options for four cottage hospitals
  • Community hub option recommended by DGHSCP for each of the four sites
  • IJB will consider range of data and responses to consultation

DECISIONS on the future roles of four of the region’s cottage hospitals are due to be taken at a meeting next week.

The extraordinary meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) on Tuesday 29 October will consider options for the cottage hospitals in Moffat, Thornhill, Newton Stewart and Kirkcudbright.

Options for consideration range from reinstating inpatient care to closing the hospitals completely and selling off the land.

David Rowland is Director of Strategic Planning and Transformation for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, which was asked by the IJB to consult on options for each of the four sites.

Mr Rowland said: “As a Health and Social Care Partnership, we’re very conscious of a desire from the IJB, staff, public and stakeholders to have a clear plan for the four cottage hospitals in Moffat, Thornhill, Newton Stewart and Kirkcudbright.

“Over the last two years a very large amount of work has taken place engaging with communities, staff and stakeholders – leading to a point where we’ve consulted on a range of options and are now making recommendations to the IJB.”

Nicole Hamlet is Interim Chief Officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership

Mrs Hamlet said: “To be explicit – our clear recommendation to the IJB is to retain these important facilities, and see them developed as community hubs to offer a wider range of out-patient services and treatments, making them more accessible for local people.

“Ultimately, the decisions sit with the IJB, who will consider all of the information and the recommendations at their meeting next week. A statement will be provided by the IJB once they have made their decisions.

“We very much hope that everyone will recognise the very great care which has been taken to consider the best use of these cottage hospitals in the future.”

LINKS

Papers for next week’s extraordinary meeting of the IJB have been published on the DGHSCP website at this address: https://dghscp.co.uk/integration-joint-board/integration-joint-board-meetings/

Next week’s extraordinary meeting of the IJB takes place in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on 29 October at 12 noon. A recording of the meeting will be made available to view following the meeting at the DGHSCP website page https://dghscp.co.uk/integration-joint-board/integration-joint-board-meetings/

Cottage hospital consultation drop-in sessions start next week

news / By

DROP-IN consultation events on the role of four of the region’s cottage hospitals begin next week.

Consultation is taking place on options for cottage hospitals in Moffat, Thornhill, Kirkcudbright and Newton Stewart, with drop-in events for the public taking place next week in Kirkcudbright, Newton Stewart and Stranraer.

Director of Strategic Planning and Transformation David Rowland said: “We’re very pleased that so many people have already taken part in the consultation on the four cottage hospitals.

“While people can continue to take part online, by visiting the website, next week sees the start of in-person drop-in sessions. At these events, people can call in and either be supported to complete their response to the consultation or take away the survey document.

“It’s very important that everyone is encouraged and supported to have their say on how the cottage hospitals are employed going forward, and I hope to see really good turnouts at Kirkcudbright next Tuesday, Newton Stewart next Wednesday and Stranraer next Thursday.”

Following extensive stakeholder engagement and focused workshop sessions, six options were developed for each of the four cottage hospital sites.

Details on the six options for each location are set out on the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care website www.dghscp.co.uk/rcrp-consultation

These options are the status quo, status quo plus, a Community Health and Social Care Hub, an inpatient facility, community ownership and closure of the site.

People visiting the site can review the documentation and can complete their formal response to the consultation online, with the consultation drawing to a close on 27 September 2024.

A busy schedule of drop-in sessions begin next week, offering local people a chance to discuss the options with members of our team before completing the consultation document.

Dates, times and locations for the in-person drop-in sessions are as follows:

Kirkcudbright, 20th August, 15:00 – 19:00, Kirkcudbright Parish Church Hall

Newton Stewart, 21st August, 15:00 – 19:00, McMillan Hall

Stranraer, 22nd August, 15:00 – 19:00, Stranraer Millenium Centre

Dumfries, 27th August, 15:00 – 19:00, The Bridge

Langholm, 28th August, 15:00 – 19:00, Buccleuch Centre

Lockerbie, 29th August, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall

Sanquhar, 3rd September, 15:00 – 19:00, Community Centre

Gretna, 5th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Richard Greenhow Centre

Isle of Whithorn, 9th September, 12:00 – 14:00, St Ninians Hall

Whithorn, 9th September, 15:00 – 19:00, New Town Hall

Annan, 11th September, 15:30 – 19:30, Victoria Hall Complex

Castle Douglas, 12th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall

Moffat, 16th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall

Dalbeattie, 17th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall

Thornhill, 18th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Community Centre

The events are being promoted through a radio campaign, newspaper advertising, promotions on social media, poster campaigns and direct engagement with local groups.

Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) are responsible for making strategic decisions over the future of health and social care, and issuing directions for implementation to the NHS and local authority.

The IJB will be presented with recommendations resulting from the work which has been undertaken at an extraordinary meeting on 29 October 2024.

They will be asked to consider these recommendations, taking account of the feedback from consultation, the outputs from the options appraisal, an assessment of their financial viability, the associated workforce implications, as well as the views of professional advisors and the management team responsible for delivery.

They will also be asked to consider all the formal responses to the consultation, and a financial appraisal of the options.

LINKS:

An animated video promoting the cottage hospital consultation: https://youtu.be/RaFtXIyw6Vg

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document can be found here: https://dghscp.co.uk/right-care-right-place-consultation-frequently-asked-questions/

Take part in cottage hospitals consultation

news / By

Consultation on options for cottage hospitals in Moffat, Thornhill, Kirkcudbright and Newton Stewart began on Friday May 17.

In-person events have been scheduled to take place once the school holidays are over – running from 20 August to 18 September.

You can also take part online, visiting www.dghscp.co.uk/rcrp-consultation

Having lost several weeks of promotion due to the Pre-Election Period, the consultation period has been extended so that it now runs until September 27.

Details on the six options for each location are set out on the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care website www.dghscp.co.uk/rcrp-consultation

Dates, times and locations for the in-person drop-in sessions are as follows:

Kirkcudbright, 20th August, 15:00 – 19:00, Kirkcudbright Parish Church Hall
Newton Stewart, 21st August, 15:00 – 19:00, McMillan Hall
Stranraer, 22nd August, 15:00 – 19:00, Stranraer Millennium Centre
Dumfries, 27th August, 15:00 – 19:00, The Bridge
Langholm, 28th August, 15:00 – 19:00, Buccleuch Centre
Lockerbie, 29th August, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall
Sanquhar, 3rd September, 15:00 – 19:00, Community Centre
Gretna, 5th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Richard Greenhow Centre
Isle of Whithorn, 9th September, 12:00 – 14:00, St Ninians Hall
Whithorn, 9th September, 15:00 – 19:00, New Town Hall
Annan, 11th September, 15:30 – 19:30, Victoria Hall Complex
Castle Douglas, 12th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall
Moffat, 16th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall
Dalbeattie, 17th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Town Hall
Thornhill, 18th September, 15:00 – 19:00, Community Centre

IJB Annual Accounts out for public consultation

news / By

The Unaudited Draft Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) Annual Accounts for 2023/24 are now out for public consultation.

The IJB was established as a body corporate by order of the Scottish Ministers on 3 October 2015 as part of the establishment of the framework for the integration of Health and Social Care in Scotland under the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014.

The IJB has responsibility for the strategic planning and delivery of a defined range of Health and Adult Social Care services for the residents of Dumfries and Galloway.

The Draft Annual Accounts for 2023/24 opens with an overview of the key messages in relation to the objectives and strategy of Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (the IJB) and its financial performance for the year ended 31st March 2024.

It also provides an indication of the risks and challenges which may impact upon the finances of the IJB in the future.

The Draft Annual Accounts for 2023/24 can be read by visiting

Any comments should be sent to the email address katy.kerr@nhs.scot by the end of August 16 2024.

Consultation events postponed due to Pre-Election Period

news / By

IN-PERSON drop-in events planned as part of the consultation on options for four cottage hospitals in the region will have to be postponed until after the newly-announced General Election.

Rules around the Pre-Election Period mean that gatherings such as those planned for Moffat on May 30 are not able to go ahead in the run-up to July 4th, and we are not permitted to promote the consultation during this time.

Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning David Rowland said: “A consultation on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board on options for cottage hospitals in Moffat, Thornhill, Kirkcudbright and Newton Stewart began last Friday May 17.

“A total of 15 in-person events taking place across the region had been scheduled and promoted, but rules around the period leading up to a General Election now mean that these cannot go ahead.

“None of these drop-in sessions will now take place before July 4. And while the consultation itself won’t be promoted when the ‘Pre-Election Period’ begins on Saturday May 25, all the materials including the online survey and downloadable forms will continue to remain available at the website https://dghscp.co.uk/rcrp-consultation/

“We will look to be able to pick up activity immediately after the General Election, and provide an update on consultation plans, hoping in the meantime that everyone will appreciate the requirement to comply with the rules which accompany periods in the run-up to elections.

“As of 22 May 2024, we had already received 99 completed surveys. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed thus far and want to reassure them that the views they have offered will be shared with the IJB as part of our analysis of the feedback received during consultation.

“All completed surveys received during the Pre-Election Period and those submitted once we return to active consultation will also be included in that analysis.

“At that point consideration will be given to what extension may be required to the consultation period – so as to be able to accommodate rescheduled in-person drop-in events.”