Members of the public are being given the chance to shape how NHS Lanarkshire communicates with them.
NHS Lanarkshire is up-dating its communication strategy and is looking for comments on the draft document.
The strategy sets out NHS Lanarkshire’s communication objectives for the next three years. It also includes: NHS Lanarkshire’s values and principles for communication; where we are now with communications; where we want to be; and how performance is monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis.
In addition, it lists the key groups and individuals that NHS Lanarkshire communicates with such as patients, carers, public partnership forums, MSPs and staff.
There is also a list of the communication methods used such as leaflets, posters, the NHS Lanarkshire website, newsletters and the media.
Karon Hamilton, NHS Lanarkshire’s Head of Communications, said: “We recognise that communicating well is a vital part of providing high quality health services to the people of Lanarkshire.
“In developing the revised strategy, we have taken account of feedback we’ve received from the public and staff on the communication issues that are important to them. We are keen to provide the opportunity for further input to ensure that we have the right strategy in place to make real improvements in how we communicate.”
Since the previous strategy, NHS Lanarkshire has introduced many communication initiatives including:
Launch of an up-dated NHS Lanarkshire public website (www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk) providing improved online information on health improvement and health services
Introduction of a new General Enquiry Line (08453 130 130) providing improved access to information on NHS Lanarkshire and its services to public and staff
Development of the Customer Care Policy and Standards, a Good Practice Guide to Written Communications and associated training to improve staff communication with patients and the public.
Karon Hamilton said: “Our aim is to continue to develop our communication systems to ensure people have access to the information they want on NHS Lanarkshire. We also to encourage people to get involved in shaping future health services.”
You can download a copy of the draft strategy.
Copies can be made available via email or post by contacting Alison McCutcheon on 01698 245299, email alison.mccutcheon@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or writing to NHS Lanarkshire, Communications Department, Strathclyde Hospital, Airbles Road, Motherwell, ML1 3BW.
Comments on the strategy should be submitted by Monday 18 May 2009 and sent to the above contact details.