New South Lanarkshire joint plan for health and social care priorities

HEALTH and social care priorities in South Lanarkshire for the next three years have been set out in a new joint plan.

Priorities include an additional focus on the impact of an ageing population, both generally across all services provided by local government and its partners, and on services related to health and social care in particular.

The plan was approved by councillors at a recent meeting of the social work resources committee.

Councillor Jim Handibode, chair of the social work resources committee, said: “We are already experiencing additional needs from a higher proportion of older people, particularly those aged over 75 and over 80, who need more intensive help.”

One of the key areas covered by the new plan is making services and care provided more personal – moving away from bestowing care to helping people choose and shape the care they receive.

Councillor Handibode said: “Work has begun to look at personalisation of care, examining the different steps along a person’s journey to a more personalised service. This approach can make a real difference, promoting independence and personal dignity.”