South Ayrshire residents are set to benefit from plans to have the existing working relationship between South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran further improved.

While a number of significant linked projects are currently under way, or “in the pipeline” an even  greater amount of joint working is envisaged thanks to the adoption of a new framework agreement by the Council Commercial and Business Services Committee of the Council.

Councillor Alistair Kerr, Convener of the Committee, explained: “Formalising an agreement is a very important move.  South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran, together with our respective community planning partners, are wholeheartedly  committed to working in partnership to promote the well-being of the communities within South Ayrshire that we serve.

“The intention is that we move forward and plan together, and where appropriate, pool our resources to undertake and deliver projects that will maximise joint working opportunities and improve the facilities and services available to our communities.”

The move to formalise the link between the Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran comes after 12 months of intense “behind the scenes” activity which was initiated when Councillor Gibson T. Macdonald became Leader of South Ayrshire Council.

Discussions are already taking place between the two organisations relating to numerous development opportunities.

Explained Councillor Macdonald: “When I became Leader of the Council, a year ago, following the change of Administration, I learned from the Chairman and Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran of progress they had made with the other two Ayrshire authorities. I was concerned to learn of an apparent lack of co-operation in the past with South Ayrshire Council, and I set out to resolve this.”

Said Councillor Macdonald: “I pledged that I would do what I could to encourage joint working, especially in the case of sharing premises.  Having seen for myself the co-location and resource facilities set up in East Ayrshire by undertaking joint-working, I was really envious, and I was determined that South Ayrshire should examine every opportunity available.

“I am delighted to say that much has taken place since then – and I am sure there will be numerous more opportunities for joint working and premises-sharing that will be of benefit to the people of South Ayrshire in the future.”

Councillor Macdonald outlined a cross section of development opportunities that, following his undertaking, South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran are currently either “exploring” or are actively engaged in preparatory work.

Kincaidston, Ayr:  A project to build a new surgery for two practices and pharmacy. The Council would have access to an office in the building for a variety of staff in the Social Work field. A Council-owned site has been identified and a report on the disposal of the site to the NHS Design and Build contractor has been presented to the Council.

Ayr Resource Centre:  Initially envisaged as a single site location; however, now a multiple site solution is being considered and a variety of locations are under review.

Whitletts, Ayr: A Council-owned sited at Glenmuir Place has been reserved as a potential site for part of the Ayr Resource Centre.   The site is next to an existing NHS facility and a proposal is being made to incorporate a combined facility incorporating the Council’s Activity Centre and the site of the existing Health Centre.

Replacement of Templeton House and South Lodge, Ayr,  Residential Homes:  The Council was faced with the requirement for a replacement 60 bed unit, and has agreed that the Seafield site, on NHS land, is the appropriate location for this unit in Ayr, where existing services could create a synergy for service delivery. A facility is likely to exist for numerous shared services.

Davidson Hospital, Girvan:  Subject to appropriate planning permission, a proposal exists to build a new hospital on the northern outskirts of Girvan. Discussions are ongoing as to the level of accommodation within the complex which could be occupied by Council services.

Mossblown: NHS Ayrshire and Arran has a requirement for a new surgery in Mossblown and a Council owned site adjacent to the Council Activity Centre has been identified as a possibly suitable location.

Troon: There is considered to be a need for a replacement NHS service in Troon, and the Council is endeavouring to assist in finding a suitable location, although at present this has not been identified.

Said Councillor Macdonald: “The work either under way, or the behind-the-scenes activity being undertaken reflects the profound commitment to the co-location of services for the greater benefit of our communities.  I am convinced that there is much much more to be done in the years ahead.”

Explaining the decision by the Council Commercial and Business Services Committee,  Councillor Kerr said: “As many people will be aware, the Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran are already informally working in a spirit of partnership, and the Framework Agreement formalises the process under which proposed joint developments will be undertaken.”

Under the Framework Agreement, each joint project is intended to be considered and approved by both organisations’ respective decision-making bodies and a decision on which party takes the lead role in each project will be taken on an individual basis dependent upon the nature of each project.

December 2006