There are a number of ways in which NHS Lanarkshire will succeed in reaching its goal of achieving excellence through our healthcare strategy.

Irene Barkby, NHS Lanarkshire director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: “As all our staff know, being person-centred is one of our key priorities.

“We want to empower people to manage their own health and be involved in decisions about their care wherever possible.

“For example, where patients have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or asthma, the aim is to ensure they have the information and support to manage their condition at home.

“Patients who are able to monitor their condition can identify problems at an earlier stage and avoid unwanted and unnecessary hospital admissions. We want to see a shift away from decisions being made about patients to decisions being made with patients and their carers.

“We will deliver more high-quality services close to patients in their homes and communities and at times that suit them. This will include more 24/7 working over the next few years. We will also develop services based on the recognition that physical health and mental health are of equal importance.”

What does person-centred care mean?
• More people able to look after their own physical and mental health with
• the right support, advice and information
• More people with long-term conditions being supported to live as independent lives as possible
• People accessing palliative and end-of-life care services that meet their needs
• People able to make informed decisions about their medicines and discuss them with anyone involved in their care
• Fewer people needing hospital services.