The Lanarkshire NHS Board Annual Report and Accounts 2010-11 have now been published and highlight some of the health board’s achievements during the financial year.
Ken Corsar, NHS Lanarkshire chairman, said: “During 2010/11 we concentrated on improving the quality and safety of the care provided and, at the same time, focused on improving efficiency.
“Throughout the report there are features demonstrating our commitment to quality and safety such as the solid performance achieved on key quality indicators such as healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
“We continued our progress in reducing the risk of HAIs and met the Scottish Government HEAT targets to reduce rates of staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SABs) and clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
“In addition, all key national waiting time guarantees were delivered in 2010/11.”
Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson MSP highlighted a number of areas that demonstrated good practice, following the annual review of NHS Lanarkshire held in August.
These, along with some of the action points he asked the health board to focus on, are included in the report.
Ken continued: “A range of quality improvement programmes are in place including Lean, Scottish Patient Safety Programme, Better Together and Patient Experience.
“While the national Patient Experience survey was positive in many ways within NHS Lanarkshire, it provided key information on necessary improvements which we have committed to undertake.
“I am pleased to report that our financial targets were met and we continued to operate within a balanced financial position in 2010/11.”
The Annual Report also highlights the new facilities opened by NHS Lanarkshire in 2010-11 to improve healthcare provision.
These included new mental health facilities at Beckford Lodge and Glencairn Unit; Kylepark, the Learning Disabilities Assessment and Treatment Centre at Kirklands; and community healthcare facilities at the Buchanan Centre, Coatbridge Health and Dental Centre and Carluke Community Health Centre.
Ken also praised the health board’s staff and volunteers.
He said: “The key to improving the health outcomes for the people of Lanarkshire has been, and will continue to be, through the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our staff and volunteers who play a vital role in supporting NHS Lanarkshire.
“Throughout the year I have met with a wide range of staff and have consistently been impressed by their commitment, diligence and enthusiasm.
“Together with our partners and public, including North and South Lanarkshire Councils and the Public Partnership Forums, I look forward to continuing our efforts in improving the health of Lanarkshire’s population.”
The report is available to download on www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/publications