Progress being made but much more to do, is health verdict

This was the second meeting of the Round Table and saw staff from services across Fife Council, local GP practices and the new integrated health and social care service meet at Lochgelly High School to discuss how best to address health inequalities in the area.

Lochgelly and Cardenden Councillor, Mark Hood (pictured), who chaired the meeting as the Cowdenbeath Area health champion, said, “This was able to identify some positive progress from our initial meeting last year, however, it is clear that without significant investment in new facilities, more GP’s and health workers in our community, our ability to address the health inequalities is severely restricted.” The meeting welcomed the work that has been done to reduce teenage pregnancy, which has seen a reduction, and the innovated social prescribing pilot which has now helped around 60 patients address problems with anxiety and depression.

Mr Hood added, “The social prescribing pilot, initiated at the last meeting has proven to be a success, and there will be real benefits if we can roll out the scheme to other GP practices in the area.

“The results of the pilot have shown a reduction in medication required, less repeat appointments at GP’s and most important better outcomes for patients.” The meeting heard how the increasing demand for GP services was having a significant impact on local services, Councillor Hood commented, “Despite the best efforts of local GP’s its becoming increasingly difficult for them meet the level of demand from the community.

“It’s clear that we must invest more in GP services if we are to make the change in our community we are looking for.

“Once again local representatives identified that lack of space in the current Lochgelly Health Centre as being a significant problem when trying to introduce much needed new services.”