PATIENTS across the region are seeing improvements in access to care as NHS services continue to make progress against key performance measures.
New reports to NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Board today highlighted encouraging progress across a number of areas, including emergency care, planned treatment and mental health services, while recognising the continued pressure facing health and care teams.
Board members heard that waiting times for patients attending Emergency Departments and requiring admission, transfer or discharge have improved, helping more people receive the care they need without unnecessary delays. Significant progress has also been made in reducing the number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment, while psychological therapies services continue to perform strongly.
Interim Chief Executive Dr Kenneth Donaldson said: “These improvements are the result of a huge amount of work by staff across our hospitals, community services, GP practices and support teams. Every improvement in performance represents people receiving the care they need more quickly.
“I want to thank our staff and partners for their continued commitment and professionalism. Their efforts are making a real difference for patients across the region.”
Alongside improvements in performance measures, the Board also reviewed progress across a range of strategic priorities through the organisation’s Annual Delivery Plan. This included work to improve access to planned care, strengthen community-based services, support older people living with frailty and continue the development of preventative approaches aimed at improving long-term health outcomes.
Members also heard about continued progress in areas such as cancer services, vaccination programmes and mental health support, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve care across a broad range of services.
While welcoming the positive progress, Board members heard that services continue to face significant pressures. Demand across urgent, planned and community care remains high, while teams continue to manage workforce and capacity challenges alongside increasingly complex patient needs.
The reports highlighted ongoing work to improve patient flow, further reduce waiting times and strengthen services across both hospital and community settings. Members noted that many of the improvements now being seen are the result of sustained efforts by staff and partners to address these pressures while maintaining safe and effective care.
Director of Strategic Planning and Transformation David Rowland said: “We know there is still much more to do, and many of our services continue to operate under considerable pressure. However, the progress highlighted in these reports demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained effort, strong partnership working and a shared focus on improving care for the people we serve.
“Our focus remains on delivering safe, effective and person-centred care while continuing to improve access and outcomes wherever we can.”
Board members noted that continued improvement across a range of indicators reflects the commitment of staff and partners across Dumfries and Galloway and provides a strong foundation for further progress in the months ahead.