Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care

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Changes at top of region’s health and social care system

New Integration Joint Board members named

A CHALLENGING period lies ahead for the corporate body responsible for the strategic planning of health and social care across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

A new-look Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) has now assembled amid great financial challenges and serious pressures on systems – and it is led by a new Chair in the form of Andy McFarlane.

Andy said: “I am delighted to take on this role and hope to make a positive impact. 

“I would firstly like to record my thanks to the former chair Laura Douglas for her contribution and passion for service integration and the difference that can be made by working in partnership.

“I look forward to building on the achievements of the Board and those working across vital services to make positive change happen.

“We continue to face significant challenges in health and social care not only in Dumfries and Galloway but across Scotland and change will take time and there is so much still to do, to deliver the level and quality of provision that this region deserves.”

Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) is responsible for the planning and commissioning of the vast majority of health and all adult social care services within the region.

Its directions are implemented by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership (DGHSCP) which is a separate corporate body featuring the NHS and local authority as statutory partners, working together with the third and independent sectors.

Acknowledging the very significant challenges currently facing health and social care, and the work continually taking place to improve provision and meet local need, Andy said: “It is crucial that we all work together to involve the public and staff through meaningful engagement, in particular in relation to the Right Care Right Place: Bed-Based Intermediate Care consultation and the review of maternity services in Wigtownshire.

“As the new chair of the IJB, my aim to support the delivery of safe and deliverable health and social care models of care for the communities that we serve, that are fit for future generations.”

Mr McFarlane previously served as senior police officer in England before moving to Dumfries and Galloway with his wife in 2006.

As an elected member with Dumfries and Galloway Council, he serves as a councillor for Ward 3 Dee and Glenkens.

Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Julie White said: “I welcome Andy as Chair of the Integration Joint Board. 

“At the same time as Andy’s appointment there are a number of new additions to the IJB, who are set to bring their experience, knowledge and perspectives to help take forward this work.

“I look forward to working with the new Board, addressing the challenges faced by health and social care.”

Several new additions are among the voting members on Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board, with a voting membership comprising of Greg Black, Ian Carruthers, Kim Dams (Vice Chair), Rhianna Davies-McCrorie, Gwilym Gibbons, Chrissie Hill, Vicky Keir, Denis Male, Andy McFarlane and Paula Stevenson. Substitutes for voting members are Karen Carruthers, Bill Irving, Andy Ferguson, Gail MacGregor, David Slater and Carolyne Wilson.

Drop in for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations before Christmas

THE DUMFRIES and Galloway winter flu and COVID effort has reached thousands of people in the region already – and anyone eligible for a vaccine can get one before Christmas without an appointment.

Drop-in vaccination clinics are open now across Dumfries and Galloway (times and places are below) to anyone eligible for a free vaccine because they are over 50, at risk due to a medical condition, a registered carer, or a health or social care worker.

Those turning up at a drop-in clinic may have to queue if the clinic is busy, and should dress warmly.

Public health consultant Dr Nigel Calvert says: “We have had great success with the winter flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster programmes so far, but there are still some people in the region who have not yet had the vaccines they’re entitled to.

“The vaccination programme has only a few weeks more to run, and we are hoping that the drop-in clinics will allow many more people to protect themselves now that winter is almost here.

“Flu and COVID-19 can be serious, especially for older people and those with other health conditions, and it’s best to prepare before the holidays. Even if you aren’t worried about the health risks to yourself, if you catch flu or COVID-19 you could pass it on to a relative or friend who is more at risk, and they could become seriously ill.

“So if you drop in to one of the clinics soon for your jags, you’ll have the best possible protection against flu and COVID-19 in time for Christmas.”

Times and places of drop-in clinics

Monday 12th December
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00
Tuesday 13th December
Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00
Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Thornhill Rehab Suite 09:15-15:00
Moffat Hospital 09:15-15:00
Wednesday 14th December
Newton Stewart Hospital 09:15-15:00
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Lockerbie Medical Centre 09:15-15:00
Thursday 15th December
Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00
Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00
Friday 16th December
Newton Stewart Hospital 09:15-15:00
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00
Monday 19th December
Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00
Tuesday 20th December
Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00
Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Moffat Hospital 09:15-15:00
Wednesday 21st December
Newton Stewart Hospital 09:15-15:00
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Sanquhar Community Hall 09:15-15:00
Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00
Thursday 22nd December
Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00
Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00
Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00

Drop-in COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics opening

THE DUMFRIES and Galloway winter flu and COVID vaccination effort has reached thousands of people in the region already – and from Monday 5th December anyone eligible for a vaccine will be able to get one without an appointment.

Drop-in vaccination clinics open across Dumfries and Galloway from Monday 5th December, to anyone eligible for a free vaccine because they are over 50, at risk due to a medical condition, a registered carer, or a health or social care worker.

The national booking portal is still open at https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp, and people are encouraged to use it to book an appointment if they can. Those turning up at a drop-in clinic may have to queue if the clinic is busy, and should dress warmly.

Public health consultant Dr Nigel Calvert says: “We have had great success with the winter flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster programmes so far, but there are still some people in the region who have not yet had the vaccines they’re entitled to.

“The vaccination programme has only a few weeks more to run, and we are hoping that the drop-in clinics will allow many more people to protect themselves now that winter is almost here.

“Flu and COVID-19 can be serious, especially for older people or those with other health conditions, and it’s best to prepare before the holidays. Even if you aren’t worried about the health risks to yourself, if you catch flu or COVID-19 you could pass it on to a relative or friend who is more at risk, and they could become seriously ill.

“So if you drop in to one of the clinics next week for your jags, you’ll have the best possible protection against flu and COVID-19 in time for Christmas.”

Times and places of drop-in clinics

Monday 5th December

Waverley Medical Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Annan Vaccine Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Canonbie Village Hall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Tuesday 6th December

Waverley Medical Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Thornhill Rehab Suite 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Moffat Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Wednesday 7th December

Newton Stewart Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Thursday 8th December

Waverley Medical Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Thornhill Rehab Suite 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Annan Vaccine Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Friday 9th December

Newton Stewart Hospital* 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Langholm county car park 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.00

Saturday 10th December

Waverley Medical Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Langholm county car park 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.00

Sunday 11th December

Newton Stewart Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Sanquhar Community Hall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Annan Vaccine Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Friday 9th December 

Newton Stewart Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30 

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Langholm county car park 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.00 

Saturday 10th December 

Waverley Medical Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Langholm county car park 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.00 

Sunday 11th December 

Newton Stewart Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30 

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Sanquhar Community Hall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 

Monday 12th December 

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00 

Tuesday 13th December 

Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00 

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Thornhill Rehab Suite 09:15-15:00 

Moffat Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Wednesday 14th December 

Newton Stewart Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Lockerbie Medical Centre 09:15-15:00 

Thursday 15th December 

Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00 

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00 

Friday 16th December 

Newton Stewart Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00 

Monday 19th December 

Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00 

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00 

Tuesday 20th December 

Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00 

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Moffat Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Wednesday 21st December 

Newton Stewart Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Castle Doglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Sanquhar Community Hall 09:15-15:00 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00 

Thursday 22nd December 

Waverley Medical Centre 09:15-16:00 

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09:15-15:00 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09:15-16:00 

Annan Vaccine Centre 09:15-16:00 

Actions to help region’s health and social care through a challenging winter 

A RANGE of actions by people can help support the region’s health and social care system – which is currently under massive pressure. 

Taking up free vaccinations against flu and COVID if you are eligible is step number one in reducing the numbers of people who will need help over the winter months. 

However, there is much more that can be done, from continued use of face coverings on NHS sites to offering flexibility and support around getting loved ones home from hospital. 

Nicole Hamlet is Deputy Chief Officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, and she said: “Very honestly, we’re in a very tough situation at the moment. 

“I don’t think we’ve never seen this sort of pressure on our system at this time of year – not even during the worst of COVID. 

“If we’re going to pull through this, it’s by everyone in the region recognising the seriousness of the situation and working together to get us through these winter months.” 

Ms Hamlet added: “Anyone aged 50 and above can now book in online for a free flu and COVID jag, by visiting https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp 

“Getting these boosters refreshes your body’s own defences, ready for an encounter with these viruses. 

“Even if you’ve already had flu or COVID, or if you’ve been vaccinated before, getting these boosters when you’re eligible is extremely important as it will help cut down on the rates and severity of illness.” 

Anyone who is visiting an NHS building is asked to wear a face covering. Wearing a face covering continues to be the expectation of both visitors and staff as we look to limit any spread of infection. 

Additionally, any visitor to an NHS site including the likes of hospitals is asked not to enter the building if they feel unwell with symptoms or flu or COVID.  

Ms Hamlet said: “Our request to keep wearing face coverings in NHS buildings and not to visit if unwell with symptoms of flu or COVID is again all about limiting the risk of infection, particularly at a time when services are already functioning under great strain. 

“People are likely aware that one of the biggest challenges our system faces is having enough carers to support people to get home, or continue living in their own home. 

“If you have a relative or loved one who is currently delayed in hospital due to a shortage of care packages, you can help by being as accommodating, flexible and supportive as possible when trying to get your loved one home. 

“Arrangements may not be ideal at this challenging time, but it’s not to anyone’s benefit if your loved one is spending time in a hospital bed when they could be at home. 

“We need to appreciate the many hours that unpaid Carers already provide, and the fact that without them our health and social care system would simply not be able to function. 

“We don’t want to add to the pressures already being faced by those individuals, but where families and friends can offer to do more this would be met with a very genuine appreciation. 

“In addition, we need to thank all the carers working tirelessly within social care and recognise the scale and value of the contribution they continue to make in the face of very significant challenge.” 

Anyone who requires emergency treatment is encourage to come forward to receive help.  

However, please note that the Emergency Department at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and Galloway Community Hospital are for very pressing emergencies only. 

Great advice and support is available online at www.nhsinform.scot or by calling NHS24 on 111, while medical practices and pharmacies are a great source of information and help. 

Extremely challenging winter ahead for health and social care

AN EXTREMELY difficult and challenging winter lies ahead for health and social care within Dumfries and Galloway.

That is the warning from Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, anticipating that current massive pressures will only continue to grow as we move into colder months.

Chief Officer Julie White said: “As we enter the autumn, our services are already under the sorts of pressure we might more typically expect in the deepest depths of winter.

“Over the summer we worked closely with our frontline teams to develop an ambitious plan that will help us recover from the challenges we faced throughout the pandemic. Our plan was approved by the NHS Board on Monday 3 October 2022 and sets out clear actions against six priority areas.

“These focus on how we will support our staff, improve recruitment and retention, recover and protect planned care, modernise unscheduled care, develop social care and improve the sustainability of our local system.

“However, even though we are already working to deliver against that plan, things are only likely to get more challenging as the weeks progress. And while I wish I could offer a more comforting outlook, I think that every one of us needs to be prepared for a very tough next six months.

“What will this mean for people in real terms?

“People should be aware that while we will be doing everything we can to treat those who have been waiting longest as part of our commitment to waiting times, further disruption is likely to the backlog of scheduled elective procedures as we see a continued high volume of people presenting with urgent, unscheduled and complex needs.

“Much of this disruption might be very last minute, because in every situation we will be working to provide these procedures until such time that unfolding circumstances dictate we are unable.

“If you have a health need, please assist us and those who are also in need by considering the best point to obtain support.

“In many non-emergency situations, visiting NHSInform.scot or calling NHS 24 on 111 can be a good first option.

“We’re conscious that people have been waiting a long time for procedures and appointments. Meanwhile, others have waiting to hear back for longer than they should in relation to concerns and complaints. We’re working to keep people updated and we appreciate continued patience.

“Within social care, we continue to face a very significant challenge in meeting the volume of need. Staff who provide care at home services are such a vital part of the whole health and social care system, and we simply don’t have enough of them.

“Similarly, residential care provided by independent providers within the partnership is another area of great challenge, as the volume of need continues to grow faster than our resources.

“And it would all be impossible without the thousands of unpaid Carers in our region. Their vital role needs to be recognised along with the very great pressures they will also be facing this winter.

“We face all of this amid a marked and growing increase in costs, with a recurring £20 million deficit within the Health and Social Care Partnership’s budget, and with the prospect of even greater financial challenges over the next three years.

“For the staff across health and social care, this will be an extremely challenging winter, following on from the stresses of the last three years which should already have been enough to break any system.

“We will continue to rely on our staff and their tireless, professional efforts to provide the highest quality care, but we must all be realistic to the challenges that we face as a region.”

Extreme pressures facing region’s health and social care system

EXTREME pressures are currently challenging the health and social care systems across Dumfries and Galloway. 

Urgent meetings have been taking place among clinical and care managers, as they work to address both the pressing short-term issues and the prospect of very serious challenges heading into the winter months. 

In a bid to try and manage the current pressures which include increased demand and staffing shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, a decision has been made to scale back elective clinical procedures scheduled to take place at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary over the next two weeks. However, urgent and cancer procedures will go ahead. 

A bid to convey the scale of the challenges facing everything from care at home services to hospitals comes as Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Julie White delivers a sober message to its incredibly hard working and resilient staff and volunteers. 

In her message, Mrs White said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult 18 months for everyone, where we’ve all felt the impact of COVID-19 in just about every aspect of our lives. Right now, significant pressures are facing our Health and Social Care Partnership as we head into the most challenging winter period ever faced.” 

Addressing the current challenges, Mrs White said: “For a number of years the health and social care partnership has faced the dual challenge of increasing demand against the backdrop of difficulties around recruitment to the workforce. 

“The pandemic has only served to accelerate this problem. Many people have avoided seeking help because of COVID, have been confronted with delays, or have been isolating at home – becoming weaker or more frail.   

“As has long been the case, recruitment to jobs within the area remains a challenge, but encouraging, innovative approaches are being driven forward which do provide hope for an improved situation going forward. 

“However, right now we’re in a position where problems stored up during the pandemic are really biting. 

“Staff across the whole of the health and social care system are incredibly stretched, and we’re desperately short on the care staff who can help support people in the environment that’s right for them – such as the comfort and familiarity of their own home. 

“I was incredibly heartened to see the announcement this week that pay for care at home staff is set to increase. These carers are the largely unsung heroes of our communities, providing support, help and comfort to so many of the most vulnerable people in our region. 

“We desperately need more people to embark into this as a career which should see them better rewarded and celebrated. We are currently in the process of developing a far-reaching recruitment aimed at significantly increasing care at home capacity. 

“However, in the short term, we face real challenges providing care and support to our population in a system that has been radically changed by the consequences of managing the pandemic.” 

  • A request is being made for people to first and foremost understand and appreciate the enormity of the challenge facing the health and social care system. 
  • Beyond that, an ask is being made to understand that difficult decisions have been taken to address the pressures across the system, including for example the decision to scale down elective procedures, decisions in extremis to have two patients within a limited number of rooms within DGRI, to maximise capacity within cottage hospitals as staffing allows, and decisions to place people in alternative NHS and care facilities whilst awaiting support in their own home. 
  • Getting to this stage in the pandemic has relied on the region’s communities supporting services, and being tolerant and patient as we adjust systems to respond to the greatest need. Whilst we recognise that delays to treatment or disruption to care will lead to frustrations, please appreciate that this is also felt very acutely by the staff seeking to provide treatment and care. Civility and support in all circumstances is greatly appreciated. 
  • Finally, an invitation is being extended to help maximise the provision of treatment and care. Anyone with a loved one requiring care who can offer help or suggestions as to how we best meet the needs of their loved one is encouraged to take up a conversation with that person’s Social Work representative. 

Mrs White said: “I have never seen health and social care systems in our region under so much pressure, and unfortunately this level of pressure may continue for some time to come. 

“We really want everyone to have an insight and understanding as to just how challenging things have become through a combination of factors fuelled further by the pandemic. 

“Our responsibility is to the people of Dumfries and Galloway, and whilst the situation remains extremely challenging we are investing significantly in order to address the workforce challenges in particular to ensure that we are in the best position to meet people’s needs. 

“Anyone requiring help should not be deterred from coming forward, but to try and ensure they pursue the most appropriate means of help in the first instance from a range of options – be that a visit to their community pharmacist, visiting the NHS Inform website, contacting their GP practice, calling NHS 24 on 111 or dialling 999 in the case of an emergency.” 

Dental practices under great pressure

Although restrictions around COVID-19 have now been eased thanks to the vaccination programme, health and social care services are busier than ever.

Major adaptations were required in areas such as dentistry in order to address safety risks posed by the coronavirus, and many of these restrictions remain in place while work is undertaken to tackle a considerable backlog of treatment.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway Manager for Dental Services Julie Hunter said: “Dental Practices across Dumfries and Galloway are experiencing high volumes of demand for NHS care. 

“Due to lockdowns and safety measures limiting the numbers of patients that can be seen daily, practices are finding themselves with very large backlogs of patients requiring appointments. 

“So while dental practices in Dumfries and Galloway are open, a priority is being given at present to dental problems that are emergency or urgent in nature.

“The backlog of patients owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing additional measures required to deliver safe care for patients may result in longer waiting times for routine care.

“While every effort is being made to reduce these backlogs, it means that some practices may not be in a position to offer new patient registration appointments.

If you are already registered with an NHS dental practice, then the practice is required to provide care for you in an emergency or if you have an urgent dental problem. You should make contact with your dental practice as early in the day as possible. 

If you are registered with a practice, please contact the practice directly who will advise when you can expect to be seen.

However, emergency dental support is available for anyone not able to access help.

In the case of an emergency on a Monday to Friday:

  • 8am – 6pm Call the Dental Helpline – 0845 6026417
  • 6pm – 8am Call NHS 24 – 111

On a Saturday or Sunday:

  • Call NHS 24  – 111

Draft IJB Annual Accounts for 2020/21 out for consultation

The Unaudited Draft Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) Annual Accounts for 2020/21 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 2020/21 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 2021.  

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 2020/21 can be read by visitinghttps://dghscp.co.uk/useful-documents/ 

Any comments should be sent to the email address katy.kerr@nhs.scot by the end of July 29 2021. 

How to access GP services during COVID-19

COVID-19 has affected every aspect of health and social care, including how we access services delivered through GP practices.

Please watch this short animated film about arrangements in Dumfries and Galloway, and how you can access help from your practice, with accompanying translations below in multiple languages…

 

Koronawirus (COVID-19) zmienił sposób, w jaki wiele usług zdrowotnych jest świadczonych.
Nie wszystkie przychodnie lekarza ogólnego pracują w ten sam sposób, ale jeśli pacjenci muszą skontaktować się ze swoją przychodnią, z jakichkolwiek powodów, istnieje kilka ogólnych sposobów, aby uzyskać dostęp do usług.
W wielu przypadkach najlepiej skontaktować się ze swoją przychodnią telefonicznie. Personel będzie w stanie odebrać telefon, odpowiedzieć na pytania oraz udzielić informacji. Wszystkie podane informacje są poufne. W przypadku problemów ze zdrowiem pacjent uzyska pomoc w ich rozwiązaniu.
Oprócz kontaktu telefonicznego niektóre przychodnie oferują obecnie system eConsult. Oznacza to, że pacjenci będą mogli wysłać do nich e-maila, w którym opiszą swój problem. Wiadomość e-mail zostanie przetworzona przez ten system i szybko rozpatrzona.
Przychodnie medyczne zmieniały i rozwijały się już przed COVID-19, oferując usługi wielu profesjonalistów. Dzięki temu, że istnieją farmaceuci, pielęgniarki wyspecjalizowane w zdrowiu psychicznym oraz profesjonaliści o wyższym wykształceniu, lekarz ogólny może nie być najlepszym źródłem kontaktu w celu uzyskania pomocy w rozwiązaniu danego problemu.
Jeśli pacjent musi porozmawiać lub zobaczyć się z jednym z tych profesjonalistów, istnieje na to kilka sposobów.
Wizyta może odbyć się przez telefon. Będzie można wtedy porozmawiać na temat swojego problemu i uzyskać pomoc w jego rozwiązaniu.
Można także skorzystać z bezpiecznego połączenia wideo poprzez system o nazwie NHS Near Me. Już od pewnego czasu można było korzystać z tego systemu, jednak obecnie działa on na większą skalę. Jest to bezpieczny, wygodny i łatwy sposób na zobaczenie się z lekarzem, bez konieczności wychodzenia z domu. Można to zrobić, korzystając z komputera stacjonarnego, laptopa, tabletu lub telefonu. System NHS Near Me nie jest wskazany dla wszystkich. Jego celem nie jest zastąpienie innych usług. Jest to kolejny bezpieczny sposób na rozmowę z lekarzem.

新冠病毒 COVID-19 讓很多衛生醫療服務的運作方式發生了改變。
並不是所有全科醫生診所都採用相同的工作方式,但是如果您因為任何原因需要聯絡診所,有一些常用的方式可供您獲取服務。
大部分情況下最好的方式是透過電話聯絡診所。將有工作人員接聽您的電話、回答問題並提供資訊,所有這些過程均完全保密。如果您有醫療問題,他們可幫您以最佳方式解決問題。
除了來電以外,有些診所現在採用了一種名為 eConsult 的系統,可供人們透過發送電郵來諮詢問題。收到電郵後,系統會對郵件進行評估並迅速進行處理。
在 COVID-19 來襲之前,醫療實踐就一直在不斷變化和演進,有各個領域的專業人士能夠提供幫助。藥劑師、心理健康護士和高級執業人員的加入意味著全科醫生並不一定是可幫助您解決問題的最佳選擇。
如果您需要與其中一位醫療專業人士交談或獲得其診治,現在有多種選擇。
可以通過電話預約,您可以在通話時與專業人士討論您的問題,他們可以提供幫助。
另一種選擇是使用 NHS Near Me 系統進行安全的視訊通話。該系統已使用了一段時間,但現在正在更大範圍推廣。它提供了一種安全、便捷和輕鬆的方式與醫療專業人士面對面交流,您可以使用 PC、筆記型電腦、平板電腦或電話在家中舒適地進行交流。NHS Near Me 並不適合所有人,也不能替代任何服務,而是提供了另一種安全的方式與醫療專業人士交談。
由於存在 COVID-19 傳播的風險,現在對全科醫生診所的訪問受到頗多限制,但是許多人仍然需要親自前往全科醫生診所團隊就診,每個診所中都已採取適當措施,確保就診過程盡可能的安全和輕鬆。

冠状病毒 COVID-19 改变了众多医疗保健服务地点的运作方式。
并非所有 GP 诊所都以完全相同的方式运作,但是如果您出于任何原因需要联系他们,仍可以通过多种常用方式获得服务。
大多数情况下,与您的诊所联系的最佳方式是打电话。会有工作人员负责接听您的电话、解答您的问题并为您提供所需信息,您的来电信息以及所有通话内容都将被完全保密。如果您有医疗方面的问题,他们将帮助指明以最佳方式解决问题的方向。
除了接受电话问询外,一些诊所现在还采用了一个名为 eConsult 的系统,人们可以通过此系统发送包含自己的问题的电子邮件。电子邮件被接收后,会在整个系统中进行分派,以便快速得到处理。
早在 COVID-19 开始传播之前,医疗诊所就一直在经历着变革和发展,一系列专业人员都可以提供帮助。药剂师、心理健康护士和高级从业人员的加入意味着 GP 可能并不总是可以帮助解决您的问题的最佳人选。
如果您需要向上述任一医疗专业人员进行咨询或预约看诊,现在可以有多种选择。
可以通过电话进行预约,预约过程中,您可以向专业人员谈及您的问题,他们可以提供帮助。
另一种选择是使用 NHS Near Me 系统进行安全的视频通话。该系统启用至今已有一段时间了,只是现在正日益普及。它提供了一种安全且便捷的问诊方式,让您可以通过 PC、笔记本电脑、平板电脑或电话,足不出户地与医疗专业人员进行“面对面”交流。NHS Near Me 并不会适用于所有人,也不是为了要取代任何服务地点,它只是提供了另外一种安全的与医疗专业人员交流的方式。
鉴于 COVID-19 传播所带来的风险,现在到访 GP 诊所受到更多限制;但还是有很多人需要亲自拜访一个 GP 诊所团队进行就诊,每个诊所都已为此做好相应安排,以确保就诊过程尽可能安全且方便。

Koronavirüs COVID-19 birçok sağlık hizmetinin sunulma biçimini değiştirdi.
Pratisyen hekimlik hizmetlerinin tamamı aynı şekilde yürütülmüyor fakat herhangi bir sebeple iletişime geçmeniz gerektiğinde hizmetlere ulaşmanın çeşitli yolları mevcuttur.
Çoğu durumda alacağınız hizmete ulaşmanın en iyi yöntemi telefonla iletişim kurmaktır. Telefonu açacak, sorularınızı yanıtlayacak ve size bilgi verecek personel mevcut ve tüm bu iletişim tam gizlilik içinde yürütülüyor. Tıbbi bir sorununuz olduğunda personel sizi en iyi şekilde yönlendirecektir.
Bazı tıp merkezleri artık telefon üzerinden iletişimin yanı sıra insanların sorunlarını e-postayla iletebildikleri eConsult sistemini de kullanmaya başladı. Alınan e-posta bu sistemde değerlendiriliyor ve en kısa zamanda konuyla ilgileniliyor.
Tıbbi uygulamalar, yardım sunabilen çeşitli uzmanlarla birlikte daha COVID-19’dan önce değişip dönüşmeye başlamıştı. Eczacılar, psikiyatri hemşireleri ve uzman hekimler de değerlendirmeye katıldığında, bir pratisyen hekim her zaman sorununuzda size yardımcı olabilecek en uygun kişi olmayabilir.
Bu tıp uzmanlarından biriyle konuşmanız ya da görüşmeniz gerekiyorsa artık çeşitli seçeneklere sahipsiniz.
Randevu telefon üzerinden gerçekleştirilebilir ve uzmana telefonda sorununuzu anlatıp ondan yardım alabilirsiniz.
Bir diğer seçenek de NHS Near Me sistemini kullanarak güvenli bir görüntülü arama yapmaktır. Bu sistem bir süredir kullanılmaktaydı ancak şimdi daha yaygın hale getiriliyor. Sistem, bir masaüstü ya da dizüstü bilgisayar, tablet veya telefon kullanarak çoğunlukla evinizin rahatlığında bir tıp uzmanıyla yüz yüze görüşmenin güvenli, rahat ve kolay bir yolunu sunuyor. NHS Near Me herkes için uygun olmayacaktır ve herhangi bir tıbbi hizmetin yerini alma amacını taşımamaktadır fakat bir tıp uzmanıyla konuşmanın başka bir güvenli yolunu sunmaktadır.
Pratisyen hekimleri görme imkanı COVID-19 bulaşma riski nedeniyle artık daha sınırlı fakat halen birçok kişinin ekip içinden bir pratisyen hekimi bizzat görmesi

غيّر فيروس كورونا ومرض كوفيد-19 الذي ينتج عنه، طريقة تقديم الكثير من الخدمات الصحية:
فلا تعمل جميع العيادات الطبية غير المتخصصة بنفس الطريقة التي اعتدنا عليها، ولكن إذا احتجت إلى الاتصال بنا لأي سبب كان، فهناك عدد من الطرق التي يمكنك استخدامها للحصول على الخدمات الصحية.
وأفضل طريقة هي الاتصال بالهاتف؛ وسوف يرد فريق العمل على مكالمتك ويُجيب عن أسئلتك ويوفر المعلومات اللازمة لحالتك بسرية تامة. وإذا كانت لديك مشكلة طبية، فسوف يُساعدك على التعامل معها بأفضل طريقة ممكنة.
إضافة إلى الاتصال الهاتفي، تدعم بعض العيادات الآن نظامًا يُعرف باسم eConsult (الاستشارة الإلكترونية)، الذي يسمح للمرضى بإرسال مشكلاتهم بالبريد الإلكتروني. يقيّم النظام الرسالة الإلكترونية عند وصولها ويتعامل معها بسرعة.
شهدت الممارسات الطبية تغيرًا وتطورًا مستمرين قبل بدء انتشار كوفيد-19 بفضل باقة من الخبراء المستعدين دائمًا لتقديم يد العون. ويعني وجود الصيادلة وتمريض الصحة النفسية وممارسي الرعاية الصحية المتخصصين أن الممارس العام قد لا يكون دائمًا أفضل شخص لمساعدتك في مشكلتك.
إذا كنت ترغب في الحديث مع أحد اختصاصي الرعاية الصحية أو ترغب في الخضوع لفحص، فهناك مجموعة متنوعة من الخيارات المتاحة حاليًا.
يمكنك تحديد موعد عن طريق الهاتف للحديث مع الاختصاصي بخصوص مشكلتك وتقديم المساعدة لك.
ومن الخيارات المتاحة الأخرى: مكالمة فيديو آمنة باستخدام نظام NHS Near Me. لقد كان هذا النظام مستخدمًا لبعض الوقت، ولكنه أصبح أكثر انتشارًا الآن؛ لأنه يوفر وسيلة آمنة مريحة وسهلة لاستشارة اختصاصي الرعاية الصحية وجهًا لوجه، وأنت مرتاح في منزلك باستخدام الكمبيوتر الشخصي أو الكمبيوتر المحمول أو الجهاز اللوحي (تابلت) أو الهاتف. ولن تكون خدمة NHS Near Me مناسبة للجميع، كما أنها ليست بديلاً عن أي خدمة، ولكنها تقدم طريقة أخرى آمنة لاستشارة اختصاصيي الرعاية الطبية.
أصبحت زيارات العيادات الطبية غير المتخصصة محدودة الآن نظرًا لمخاطر مخالطة المصابين بكوفيد-19، ولكن ما زال هناك الكثيرون ممن هم في حاجة إلى زيارة العيادة والمتابعة مع الطبيب شخصيًا، وقد وُضعت ترتيبات في كل عيادة لضمان حدوث ذلك بأكبر قدر ممكن من الأمان والسهولة.
إذا كانت لديكم أي أسئلة بخصوص الاستفادة من الخدمات الطبية غير المتخصصة في هذا الوقت، فيُرجى الاتصال هاتفيًا بالعيادة المحلية. يُمكنكم الاطلاع على تفاصيل التواصل على الموقع الإلكتروني: www.nhsdg.co.uk تحت العنوان “Find services near me” (العثور على خدمات بالقرب مني”.