Working together to shape sustainable health and social care services

Providers from across Glasgow recently joined Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) leaders for an event focused on the future of health and social care services and how we can work together to meet the challenges ahead.

The event explored the increasing pressures facing services over the next three years, including rising demand, more complex needs, workforce challenges and ongoing financial constraints. Delegates heard how these factors are creating a need to think differently about how services are delivered and sustained for the future.

A key focus of the event was STEP Forward, Glasgow City Integration Joint Board’s three-year programme to review spending and service delivery across the HSCP. The programme aims to ensure resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact, while protecting services that deliver the best outcomes for people and communities.

Providers were reassured that STEP Forward is not simply a cost-cutting exercise. Instead, it is a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding what works well, identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting sustainable health and social care services for the future.

The event highlighted the important role that third sector and independent sector providers play in delivering positive outcomes across Glasgow. Providers were encouraged to share evidence, insight and examples of the impact their services have on the people and communities they support.

The session also gave providers an opportunity to discuss how the HSCP can maintain effective communication throughout the STEP Forward programme and how organisations can prepare for any future changes. A survey and panel discussion provided further opportunities for delegates to share their views and ask questions.

Working closely with providers will continue to be an important part of the STEP Forward programme as Glasgow City HSCP plans for the future and works to ensure services remain effective, sustainable and focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people of Glasgow.

Rachel Mackay, our HSCP’s Head of Commissioning, said: “Our providers are key partners in delivering health and social care services across Glasgow. This event gave us the opportunity to discuss the challenges ahead, listen to their views and explore how we can work together through the STEP Forward programme to ensure services remain sustainable and focused on achieving the best outcomes for people and communities.”