An online survey has just been launched, as part of a project to help determine the future of adult care services in Shetland.
Results from the survey will help inform a Strategic Outline Case (SOC). This is the first step to help Shetland Islands Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), which deliver a range of services for adults and older people, plan for the future.
The aim is to hear the views of as many people as possible – past, present (and potentially future) service users, as well as friends and family – and put together a ‘case for change’. We’d also welcome contributions from local partners, statutory, voluntary and community groups. This will allow the Council and the HSCP to then begin to look at what options could help the delivery of sustainable services to meet the changing needs of the community in the future.
The Council delivers services such as care homes, supported living, day care services and support for carers, and is keen, at this stage, to hear about people’s current and past experiences – what works, and what could be improved or changed.
Councillor John Fraser chairs the Integration Joint Board (IJB), which is responsible for delivering community health and social care across Council and NHS services: “This is the first step in a significant review of adult care, so it’s imperative we hear as much as we can about the experiences and aspirations of folk who have used our services in the past, are using them at present, or who may do in the future.
“I must emphasise that this isn’t about making any changes to individuals’ current services – but to gather evidence of lived experience, which will help us create fit for purpose, sustainable services that meet our community’s needs in the future.
“The survey results will be considered at meetings of the SIC and IJB in September, so in the meantime, I’d encourage everyone to get involved. Everyone’s opinion matters.”
The survey can be found here – Sustainable Model of Adult Social Care for Shetland – Fill out form – and will be open till 3rd July. Paper copies and more information is available by calling 01595 744308