MORE people could be supported to remain independent in their own homes under plans designed to help secure the future of health and social care services in Dumfries and Galloway.
Reports presented to Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board highlighted work underway to reshape services through stronger collaboration with the voluntary sector, expanded reablement services and greater use of digitally enabled care to help people remain independent at home.
Newly-appointed Chief Finance Officer Sean Barrett said: “Health and social care services across Scotland continue to face very significant pressures, driven by increasing demand, rising costs and the increasingly complex needs of the people we support.
“Our focus is on making the best possible use of the resources available to us while continuing to improve outcomes for people and communities. That means investing in approaches which help people stay well, maintain their independence and receive support at the right time and in the right place.”
Board members heard that financial recovery is being linked directly to changes in the way services are delivered, with a growing emphasis on prevention, early intervention and supporting people to remain independent for longer.
A key part of this work involves helping people remain at home wherever possible, supported by community services, the voluntary sector and new technology, while reducing the need for avoidable hospital admissions or lengthy stays in hospital.
The reports also highlighted the scale of the financial challenge facing delegated services. Members heard that NHS services ended 2025/26 with an overspend of £13.2 million, while council-delivered services recorded an overspend of £9.5 million.
Looking ahead, the Board faces a projected budget deficit of £22.5 million across delegated services during 2026/27, alongside growing demand for health and social care support.
Mr Barrett said: “The Integration Joint Board has agreed a clear programme of financial recovery and service transformation.
“NHS Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Council contribute resources to support delegated health and social care services and receive those budgets back from the IJB with directions to deliver the functions for which they are responsible.
“This means that financial recovery is not the responsibility of any one organisation alone, but a shared responsibility across the integrated health and social care system.
“The challenges we face are significant, but so too is the commitment across the partnership to continue improving services, supporting independence and ensuring resources are focused where they can make the greatest difference for the people of Dumfries and Galloway.”