A MAN who once coordinated a rapid response emergency service for dairy farmers – including those working for the Queen – has praised a health and social care team in his own time of need.

Along with his late wife Ida, Allan Snowden (90), from Biggar ran a service which could be dispatched at short notice to tend to a dairy herd anywhere in Scotland if the farmer was unable, either through illness, injury or taking leave.

But now Mr Snowden has found himself in receipt of vital support when his own health took a turn for the worse in recent years – in the form of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Integrated Community Support Team (ICST).

Mr Snowden said: “It’s funny all these years later that I find myself as recipient of a service that’s extremely well-organised, efficient and brought me a great sense of relief and support when I’ve most needed it.”

The ICST has brought together nurses, physiotherapists and hospital discharge rehabilitation staff from NHS Lanarkshire with social workers, home care workers and occupational therapists from South Lanarkshire Council. Medical care is provided by the person’s own GP who links, when needed, with hospital consultants.

Recipients have ranged from those with complex care needs to people with less serious conditions which could require hospital admission if left untreated.

Mr Snowden, who is living with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) added:  “It’s wonderful to be able to retain my independence. I can’t thank the team enough.”

Read Mr Snowden’s full story here: http://www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/news/news/Pages/mrsnowden.aspx