EFFORTS to improve health, increase physical activity, and strengthen community engagement in Dumfries and Galloway are gaining momentum, according to the latest updates presented to the full Integration Joint Board (IJB).
A report from the Transformation, Innovation and Futures sub-committee on Tuesday sparked discussion on how people can take a more active role in maintaining their own health, social prescribing, and the part to be played by the region’s DG Doing More website.
Speaking about progress in taking forward the Scottish Government and COSLA Population Health Framework, Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “This framework puts prevention and equity at the heart of our work, focusing on improving healthy life expectancy and reducing inequalities.
“We are already delivering across many areas of the framework but prevention needs continued focus and attention.”
The framework outlines areas of focus to prevent ill health, and Ms White said: “Audit Scotland has shown we need stronger evidence for our efforts to prevent ill health. The IJB has an opportunity to take a leadership role in this, and this framework sets the foundation for that.”
The board also noted that an update had been presented on the Dumfries and Galloway Physical Activity Strategy, which takes a whole-system approach to increase activity levels.
With 74% of adults in the region not meeting muscle-strengthening guidelines, the strategy aims to boost physical, mental, and economic wellbeing while reducing pressure on health and social care services.
The Innovation and Transformation Committee look forward to the development of a costed implementation plan in support of this strategy.
At the full IJB meeting, members explored the role of social prescribing in supporting population health.
Substitute member Andy Ferguson highlighted the potential for prescribing community activities and exercise to prevent illness and improve wellbeing.
Ms White emphasised that there are many opportunities and initiatives that people can engage in to become more physically active, pointing to the information and signposting contained on the DG Doing More website: www.dgdoingmore.co.uk
The quarterly Participation and Engagement Report meanwhile highlighted growing networks, ongoing General Medical Services workshops, and plans to establish a Community Oversight Group to improve representation. Challenges remain in raising awareness of the IJB’s role, but members welcomed efforts to strengthen transparency and public involvement.