DECISIONS about NHS services in Dumfries and Galloway will increasingly be shaped through regional working across the west of Scotland.
Senior clinicians have been advised that closer collaboration between health boards will play a growing role in how services are organised and sustained, particularly in areas facing workforce challenges, rising demand and financial pressure.
Speaking following an Area Clinical Forum (ACF) report to Board on Monday, Deputy Chief Executive Dr Kenneth Donaldson said: “There is a clear expectation that boards work together more closely to sustain services.”
Noting that regional working reflects national direction, he added: “For Dumfries and Galloway, we will be working to ensure these arrangements are shaped by clinical expertise and continue to reflect the needs of our local population.”
The report to Board noted that members of the ACF had been told that regional working is likely to focus on areas such as planned care waiting times, unscheduled care performance, workforce sustainability and the development of shared digital systems. Clinicians were assured that engagement will continue as regional structures and priorities are developed.
Dr Donaldson, who is the Medical Director, highlighted the importance of ensuring collaboration strengthens local services rather than diluting them, with regional support helping to improve resilience and address shared challenges.
Alongside future service arrangements, members discussed the ongoing impact of delayed discharges and social care pressures, particularly at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Updates were provided on work underway to improve patient flow, including integrated discharge arrangements and closer partnership working.
The Forum was also briefed on progress towards a longer-term Financial Recovery Plan. Clinicians were told that their involvement will be central to reviewing services, identifying sustainable efficiencies and ensuring quality and safety remain at the forefront of decision-making.
Digital transformation featured in discussions, with recognition of the role shared digital systems could play in improving access to information, support regional collaboration and reduce administrative burden.
Discussions highlighted the importance of strong clinical leadership and engagement as regional arrangements develop, particularly during a period of sustained pressure across services.