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: “The Cowal 24/7 Working Group has made some considerable progress in the project. Our Communications and Engagement sub-group has put forward a proposal for wider community representation on the main Working Group which would then feed through to the various sub-groups. It is anticipated that community representation will be sought from North to South and East to West of the peninsula so that all our communities will have a voice through which we can have a two way communications process with the public.
“There has also been a considerable amount of discussion in relation to the community in Lochgoilhead. They currently receive out of hours provision from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde through the Vale of Leven Hospital, although other services are provided by NHS Highland. Members of the Cowal 24/7 Working Group attended a community meeting on 21st November to find out what local residents felt about the current service and their thoughts on joining with the rest of Cowal in the review.
“Following the Working Group meeting on 24th November and feedback to the Argyll & Bute CHP Management Team it was decided that the Lochgoilhead community will be included in the overall review and when we are at the stage of formulating options to appraise we will have an option to include and another to exclude this community so that we have a balanced and transparent process.”
