The progress made so far in helping people with health problems live at home longer or stay in a homely setting, will be outlined at a public meeting in Stirling organised by the Stirling Public Partnership Forum.

As part of  the plans to introduce new ‘Models of Neighbourhood Care’ members of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership will explain how they are trying to avoid people being admitted to hospital and, if they do become an inpatient, support  them to return home as soon as possible. They will also speak about measures that put the person at the centre of all they do, with the support of family, friends and the local community.

Stirlingshire faces a number of key issues including an ageing population and a growing increase in the amount of people with long term and multiple conditions and complex needs. It also has areas where people are poorer and face difficulties finding employment.

Those attending the meeting in the Lecture Theatre at Stirling Community Hospital, Livilands Gate, Stirling, on Wednesday September 27^th 2017 at 7.00pm will also hear about the one-to-one support which Macmillan provide to cancer patients and their families. The service helps patients following treatment for cancer and NHS Forth Valley was the first NHS Board in Scotland to trial the one-to-one support service.

Dr Susie Porteous, Macmillan Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Forth Valley, said; “We know from patients that cancer poses many challenges. When someone has been diagnosed with cancer, they have to adjust to many changes and this means that patients and those close to them often experience strong emotions and worries. When treatment finishes and the practicalities of treatment are over, people can be surprised if they don’t feel ‘back to normal.’

“Similarly, people who are living with active cancer may be coping with physical problems and overwhelming emotions. The aim of the project is to help people living with and beyond cancer to make sense of their experience and to let them know about resources which are available to help them to manage any ongoing concerns.”

The pilot in Forth Valley has meant  cancer patients not only have access to a team of cancer specialists, but also a dedicated follow up team who can answer questions and provide information, advice and support on topics such as psychological wellbeing, managing tiredness, healthy lifestyle and getting the most out of their appointments.

Anyone who wishes to attend or requires crèche facilities or an interpreter should contact Jessie-Anne Malcolm, NHS Forth Valley’s Public Partnership Forum Co-ordinator, on 01324 614660 or email Jessie.malcolm@nhs.net