First focus on health summit deemed a success

David O'Leary - David O'Leary • Published 27 Feb 2009 12:30 0 Comments

TWEEDDALE'S health was on the agenda as the first 'Focus on Health" summit was held in Peebles recently.

Organised by Peebles Community Council the meeting saw a full turn out of key service providers, elected representatives and SBC officials in attendance, all wishing to address present problems and future challenges.

This first of its kind summit came about following discussions between Peebles Community Council and NHS Borders Board Chair, Mary Wilson and Chief Executive, John Glennie last year.

Scottish Borders Council were next to become involved due to their role comprising social care and planning.

It became clear through these early discussions that a partnership consultation such as this would allow key health issues to be addressed with one common voice, as one area of provision impacts directly on another.

Janice Pace, health representative for Peebles Community Council said: ' Peebles is rapidly growing with associated demands on doctors, dentists and social care provision.

'There are currently 11,000 patients registered at Haylodge Health Centre and this is set to grow with Peebles seen as one of the key areas for population growth over the next twenty years due to its proximity to Edinburgh.

'Alongside this we have an ageing population. We have this opportunity to be part of a consultation process that will influence the strategy on what changes can be made to maintain or improve services for our area.'

The diverse agenda at the meeting covered a whole range of topics such as Haylodge Health Centre, Dunwhinny, Glentress, and dental services in the area.

The meeting was chaired by Peebles Community Council Secretary, David Pye . He said: 'There was a good open discussion about the challenges for health and social care and we were delighted with the attendance of some key local decision makers.

"It will be a long process but this was a very successful start and there was a great deal of motivation to act now and work in partnership.

'If the enthusiasm of the meeting propels closer joint working and puts Peebles" health and social care in the spotlight then we will have achieved what we set out to do.'

Mary Wilson of NHS Borders thanked the Peebles Community Council for organising the meeting.

She said: ' I welcome the chance for open discussion and the chance for closer partnership working between agencies. I am keen to see how we can meet the needs in the locality of Tweeddale and look forward to continued consultation on this.'

Local councillor Graham Garvie also attended this initial meeting.

He said: 'It was a very good initial discussion, thanks in large part to Peebles Community Council who have showed great initiative in pulling all these organisations together around a table for the first time.

'It proved a most worthwhile exercise which should definitely bear fruit in time.'

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 27 Feb 09

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