The plan sets out ambitious key local priorities for health and social care services over the next three years to ensure people are robustly supported to live in their own homes and lead independent lives in their communities.

It was developed through a collaborative process with people who use health and social care services, partners, the public and partnership staff. Key priorities include:

·       Improving access to services

·       Reducing health inequalities

·       Delivering high-quality, person-centred care

·       Promoting early intervention and prevention

·       Empowering individuals and communities

·       Fostering partnership working

·       Contributing towards national health and wellbeing outcomes

Hosted at Coltness High School, the event featured several key speakers, including Sir Harry Burns, professor of practice and special adviser at the University of Strathclyde. He was joined by the chief executives of North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire who detailed how their respective organisations plans dovetail with the Strategic Commissioning Plan.

The audience also heard speeches on people-led system transformation and human learning systems. These two areas are coming increasingly to the fore for the partnership, as it looks to explore and capitalise on bold and innovative new ways of delivering health and social care services across North Lanarkshire.

Following the speeches and a discussion around the plan, guests were treated to a performance by three of the school’s singers, Isla McGowan, Freya McIntyre, and Millie Costello, accompanied by fellow pupil Kurtis Fang on the piano.

Professor Ross McGuffie, chief officer, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “This plan reflects the feedback and input of people across North Lanarkshire to develop a shared vision for local health and social care. It focuses on promoting early intervention, empowering communities and fostering partnerships to ensure services meet the needs of the population.

“It outlines our commitment to developing and delivering services that provide support to individuals, families, and our wider communities to improve their health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.”

Professor Jann Gardner, chief executive, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “High quality community health and social care services play a crucial role in supporting people to maintain a better level of health. This is achieved through prevention, support and treatment to help people to live a better life at home for as long as possible. 

“NHS Lanarkshire also has a key role as the employer of around 14,000 staff to create the conditions to encourage people to come and work with us, support and develop our staff and work to be a good and active employer who listens to staff and community.

“This plan has been developed to achieve these wide-ranging goals in partnership with our local communities. The extensive engagement work carried out tells us that this plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of North Lanarkshire. The entire focus of the plan is helping people to access the wider range of services and support that they need.”

Des Murray, chief executive, North Lanarkshire Council, said: "It’s important to thank the people of North Lanarkshire for engaging with us and shaping the development of this plan.

“It’s particularly encouraging that we had such a high level of participation from a wide range of our communities, partner organisations and staff. It is essential that we listen to their experiences and act on them to provide the services they tell us they need.”

The plan will be implemented over the next three years with ongoing monitoring to ensure that services continue to meet the needs and goals of local people.