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Progress Update
 
What have we achieved so far?

For some considerable time, NHS Western Isles has been working to explore how we can modernise healthcare services to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the local population.

Whilst the Strategy itself is not yet complete, there is much progress to report-including a number of early deliverables and the preparation of a draft strategy document that outlines the reasons why it is essential that we change the way we provide services and determine the strategic direction for service provision, with regard to shifting the balance of care.

We are now currently undergoing a further period of clinical engagement and the next stage will be an option appraisal event, where members of the public and NHS staff will be invited to rate each option, using agreed criteria.

If you have any queries or would like more information about the Clinical Strategy Project you can contact the Clinical Strategy Project Team by emailing clinical.strategy@nhs.net or by phoning 01851 702997 (Ext: 3160).

 

A diverse group made up of different NHS staff groups, a Comhairle nan Eilean Siar representative, and a public representative was set up to lead the Clinical Strategy work. This group known as the Clinical Programmes Board, identified a number of projects that could be driven forward in advance of the overall strategy. Some of these 'early deliverables' have already achieved success (examples below)
(1) Development of a Physiotherapy Drop-In Clinic in Western Isles Hospital.
(2) Re-launch of a Chemotherapy service in Uist and Barra Hospital
(3) Launch of new telehealth treatment pathway for stroke patients
(4) Approval of the Standard Business Case for a landmark Teach and Treat Dental Centre in Stornoway
(5) Development of a Transient Ischemic Attack Clinic, offering vital rapid assessment to patients at risk of stroke
(6) Community Nursing Review underway
(7) Mental Health Review underway

Revised Programme

Whilst we had ideally anticipated an earlier completion date for the Clinical Strategy, time-scales have had to be altered to ensure that all options are fully developed and costed.

Current anticipated process is as follows:
(1) Presentation to NHS Board of Clinical Strategy
(2) Formal Option Appraisal with key stakeholders (including public)
(3) Outcome of the Option Appraisal presented to the NHS Board
(4) TBC Independent Scrutiny (Cabinet Secretary to make decision on whether the process should be subject to Independent Scrutiny which should take about 6-8weeks)
(5) TBC Independent Scrutiny report to the Cabinet Secretary and the Board before full Public Consultation
(6) Outcome of independent Scrutiny Panel incorporated into revised document and presented to the Board
(7) Public Consultation for three months
(8) Outcome of Public Consultation presented to Board for decision as to preferred option

Clinical Strategy Project Manager:

Karen Tarn
email: karen.tarn@nhs.net

   There will be administrative cover in the Clinical Strategy Project Office on the following days:
Monday         1.30pm to 5.30pm
Tuesday        9am to 5pm
Wednesday   1.30pm to 5pm
Thursday       9am to 5pm
Fridays          9am to 12.30pm