Maree Todd MSP, Minster for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport and Caroline Lamb, Chief Executive of NHSScotland, visited University Hospital Ayr on Monday 4 September 2023 for NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Annual Review. The review gave the Scottish Government the opportunity to assess the performance and achievements of NHS Ayrshire & Arran over the last year, and to discuss the challenges that lie ahead.
Around 40 members of the public, staff and patients came along or joined online to observe and listen to the public session. They asked a range of questions about things such as future service provision; and waiting times for planned care.
Chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, Lesley Bowie, welcomed everyone and spoke about the achievements and challenges over the last few years and the solid foundation that is being built for future years.
Lesley Bowie, Chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, explained: “These annual reviews are a key component in how NHS Boards are held to account for the significant public investment made in them.
“For the last few years, as a result of the restrictions and pressures of COVID-19, it wasn’t possible to have members of the public present for these annual reviews. It was great to be able to welcome the public along once again.”
The review covered key themes including:
- post pandemic impact;
- performance (planned and unscheduled care, cancer and diagnostics and mental health);
- recovery; and
- Caring for Ayrshire.
The review heard about the key achievements and challenges of the last year, as well as the extraordinary response from NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The review also focussed on resilience, recovery and renewal, in line with national and local priorities.
Lesley Bowie, Chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, said: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every member of our staff across health and social care, commending their commitment and dedication in providing the highest standard of care to our patients.
“This annual review gave us the opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic initiatives and developments across the organisation, including digital reform.
“We know that the coming year will not be without its challenges. We have identified the areas which require further improvement, and we are fully committed to addressing those challenges to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients and families.
“I would like to thank those members of the public and staff who came along to the review and to those who asked a range of questions to the panel.”
Minister for Social Care Maree Todd said: “Annual Reviews are an important part of the process of Ministers holding NHS Boards to account for the delivery of key national priorities to local people.
“This Annual Review allowed NHS Ayrshire & Arran to reflect on challenges faced over the past year, highlight great successes and showcase some of the innovative work they are carrying out in the health board. I was pleased to meet with patients today to hear directly from them about their experience of the service they receive.”
A recording of the public session of the annual review is available to view here.