Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence

The minute of Oban Lorn and the Isles local area community planning group meeting held on 11^th May 2011 was agreed as a correct record.

The minute of Oban Lorn and the Isles local area community planning group meeting held on 9^th March 2011 was agreed as a correct record.

Item 8 on agenda:

Lorn and the Isles District General Hospital: David Whiteoak gave a verbal update on progress to date, advising that between April and June this year the 3 wards had 50% occupation at any one time.  He further advised:

·         Increased day surgery patients created a reduction in overall bed spaces;

·         Ongoing investigations into where efficiencies can be made, achieving services targets;

·         Examining diagnostic and administration systems;

·         Looking for approval of NHS Board at their next meeting to start work to progress for end of 2012;

·         New access centre operational during first quarter of 2013;

Mr Whiteoak then answered questions from the group and agreed to discuss transport to hospital appointments at his meeting with practice managers, looking at ways to enable sharing of transport between patients from the same area attending the same hospital.

Mental Health Initiative: Argyll and Bute hospital is well beyond its lifespan.  Plans area at an advanced stage with the Health Department to design, build and fund a replacement at the present site.  Willowview will more than double its professional staff and will gain access to an additional facility in the town centre – a consulting / drop-in centre for mental health patients from the second quarter of next year.

The group were given a short power point presentation by Mark Blain, giving an overview of progress to date with the CHORD development, showing the key priorities for the short, medium and long term development, highlighting engagement with the public as a priority.

Eleanor MacKinnon requested provision of a short abbreviated issue of the Development Plan which would be easy to use in communities.  

Item 3 on agenda:

The self-assessment was conducted to provide an evidence base for the review of the Community Planning Partnership. It sought to find out what individuals and groups across the partnership felt was going well and what they felt needs to improve.

A presentation given by Lynda Thomson on the outcomes of community planning self assessment exercise highlighted various issues across the Council area.

Each group was asked to give consideration to these findings, and to propose key recommendations.  These recommendations to be collated and considered by the Management Committee and to be presented to the Full Partnership in November.

Eleanor advised that there is an update on third sector partnerships on their website and highlighted the winter festival being planned for two weeks in December which is hoped will bring additional visitors to the area at this time.

Continued to November meeting.

Continued to November meeting

Customer Services are investigating access to video conference facilities throughout the area, including the Corran Halls where these meetings are held, to promote wider participation in community planning group meetings.

The area committee business meeting item tracker was circulated to those present for information.

The group noted a report on the recent Community Council by-elections by the Area Governance Manager.