The Group is co-chaired by a member of the public (Heather Grier) and Dr Brian McLachlan (Clinical Lead for Helensburgh & Lomond). Membership also includes GPs, councillors, public and Community Council representatives, Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS 24, nursing staff and other health professionals.
Heather Grier said:
“We had a very open discussion at our meeting on the composition of the Cowal 24/7 Project Group and the various sub-groups to ensure a thorough and inclusive process is followed.
“It is also important to ensure we have good communications in place and public and community representation is essential for the success of the Project. One of the first sub-groups established is related to communication and engagement and it has already had its first meeting and we have received its draft terms of reference and plan.
“Currently most public representation, including myself, has primarily come through the Cowal Locality Public Partnership Forum (CLPPF) but I recognise that there is a lack of representation from our Community Councils and other recognised groups. Irene Edwards, Development Officer for the CLPPF, advised the meeting that she had written to the Community Councils prior to the first meeting we held in September but we were still waiting on a number of responses.
“I am really keen that everyone is fully aware of the Project and participation from members of the public and Community Councils is key to achieving this goal. Communication cuts both ways and we need community reps to join us to ensure that we hear through them any concerns from the public and also to allow them to take our message back to the communities.
“At the end of the day it’s your health and welfare and in order to undertake this major piece of work, we need a balanced participation from all parties, remembering that the NHS is OUR service.”
If a Community Council or other recognised group has someone to propose who has the time and commitment to take part as a community representative please contact Irene Edwards on 01436 821988 or email ireneedwards@cowalccf.fslife.co.uk.”
Notes to Editors: It is important to highlight that the current provision of Primary Care Services from local GP Practices does not from part of this review.
Heather Grier’s background is primarily in accounting with HR management and she operates as a business consultant working mainly in the private sector. She is also a fellow of the Institute of Directors and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management.
Dr Brian McLachlan is a Helensburgh based GP and has experience of providing an out of hours GP service in the community as well as providing GP services for the Vale of Leven Hospital. He is also the Clinical Lead for the Helensburgh & Lomond locality.
