PATIENTS across the region are seeing improvements in care, as new services deliver results and a key waiting time target edges closer to being achieved.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Board members heard today that the organisation remains on course to ensure no one waits longer than 52 weeks for a new outpatient appointment by next spring. Work is also underway to reduce delays, improve emergency department performance, and shorten hospital stays.
Performance and Resources Committee Chair Garry Forsyth said: “These are challenging times, but there is strong engagement from teams across the Board, and a shared sense of responsibility to keep services safe, effective, and sustainable. Progress is being made where it matters most to patients.”
A standout success is the new Acute Frailty Unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Since opening earlier this year, two-thirds of frail patients admitted have been discharged directly home, with an average stay of just 3.4 days compared to the 17.5 days typically seen previously.
Patients are recovering more quickly, avoiding readmissions, and returning home with greater confidence – while hospital pressures are also being eased. Work is now underway to explore how the model could be adapted for Galloway Community Hospital.
Further updates included the introduction of new ADHD pathways for children and adults, ongoing digital transformation work, and plans to explore hydrogen energy projects at Mountainhall Treatment Centre and Midpark Hospital as part of the Board’s Property Strategy.
Financial pressures remain, with an overspend of £11.2 million reported at the end of July – though this sits well within the planned deficit for 2025/26. Recurring savings of £8.3 million have already been identified, and a £4 million investment from the Scottish Government is being directed towards key areas such as expanding Hospital at Home beds, tackling delayed discharges, and improving emergency department performance.
Mr Forsyth said: “Our aim remains to ensure services are safe, sustainable, and effective, and that we are open with staff and the public about the work underway to deliver that.”