COMMUNITY CONVERSATION this month will pave the way for more sustainable health and social care services for adults and older people in the Forres area.
Residents are invited to attend the June 8 event to consider how the needs of the local population can best be met now and in the future in a discussion being hosted by Health and Social Care Moray.
The partnership organisation of Moray Council and NHS Grampian has responsibility for planning, managing and delivering a range of health and social care services for adults under the direction of the Moray Integration Joint Board (MIJB).
These services include community hospitals, general practice, day services, care and support at home, sheltered housing, commissioned services, dentists and pharmacies.
The board is working to transform the way health and social care is delivered across Moray at a time of increasing demand and financial challenge. It has already had a focus on change over recent years with the new Health and Care Centre and the development at Varis Court and is aware of the many community groups that contribute to wellbeing of local people.
The community event – taking place in Forres Academy from 7-9pm – will be presented with information on the health and wellbeing profile of the locality and some insight into the current resources committed to Forres and surrounding area in relation to health and social care services.
Discussions will focus on developing a collective understanding of the current situation, seeking to look ahead and consider what is possible across the area, ensuring that people will be supported to live as well and independent as possible.
Christine Lester, chair of the MIJB, said: “Everyone has a part to play in helping shape and influence the right model of care for the Forres area.
“We are holding this event to listen to the views and learn from the experiences of residents so that together we can plan local solutions to local needs.”
Pam Gowans, Chief Officer, added: “By preparing for the challenges ahead and embracing the opportunities, we can bring tremendous improvements in high quality care and support and in the experiences of people who use services, but this will involve change.
“It takes planning and partnership working with the whole community to achieve change, ensuring that we have a health and social care model of service delivery where we can achieve the ambition that integration offers by being person-centred, efficient, effective and co-ordinated.”
Further information on the event is available by contacting involvement@moray.gov.uk or 01343 567187.