I took up the role Chief Officer on a short-term interim basis in December 2023. Prior to this, I have worked across health and social care services for more than 35 years – initially as a social worker in Easterhouse and, more recently, as Executive Director of Social Work Services and Chief Officer of the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership. I also spent 8 years with Action for Children, four years as a Director at Quarrier and worked with the Scottish Government for several years as a professional adviser on health and social care integration.
My main priorities during in my time in this role (before I head off to enjoy retirement!) is to address the financial position for 2024/25, support stability and ongoing progress within the Partnership and help take forward the review of the Integration Scheme – the legally binding agreement between NHS Forth Valley and the two council partners for the integration authority. There is lots going and lots to be done to deliver on these three important areas which that will impact on everyone working within the Partnership and beyond to ensure that we’re able to deliver the best health and social care services that we can to the people of Clackmannanshire and Stirling. This includes ensuring people are able to access the right care, in the right place as quickly as possible, introducing a revised approach to self-directed support that helps people achieve personal goals, improved health outcomes. We also want to support people to continue to live in their own homes and local communities, wherever possible, rather than spending long periods in local hospitals and care homes. In addition, work is underway to look at how we can best provide palliative and end of life care, support mental wellbeing and deliver mental health services across the whole health and care system as part of the development of our wider strategic plan.
I have three adult children (two sons and a daughter) and I am a proud grandfather (or Taid given my Welsh roots!) to a 2 ½ year old girl. My wife and I look after her every Monday which is a very busy but rewarding experience. I also sing in a male voice choir and attend choir practice every Monday evening. We are currently rehearsing for Spring concerts at the end of April and a mini tour of the Highlands in May 2024 so lots happening over the next few months – personally and professionally.