Getting Involved

We want to hear from you!

We are committed to working and engaging with patients, carers and the public in many ways. We aim to make sure people’s views are heard, at all levels and across all parts of the healthcare system.

Get involved in the latest NHS Western Isles consultation, survey or discussion by telling us what you think. Topics will be added and you will be able to participate in meetings, focus groups or responding to questionnaires as they are advertised.

All NHS Boards have a legal duty to involve patients and the public in the planning and development of health services and the Patient Focus Public Involvement Team work to ensure that this duty is carried out. The duty is part of the NHS Reform (Scotland) Act 2004 and the requirements of Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services

In this section of the website, you can find out about how you can get involved as well as information about current projects and how we support patient, carer and public representatives.

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Why should I get involved?

User and public involvement is a vital part of NHS Western Isles service development. To continually improve services, NHS professionals welcome opportunities to listen carefully to service users as people with lived experience.

Feedback, comments, compliments and complaints provide us with an opportunity to review and reflect on the care and services we provide, to learn and improve patients experiences.

The following are examples of service improvements that have been put in place in response to your feedback:

  • New wheelchairs were purchased for placement at the Western Isles Hospital entrance.
  • The Emergency Department has extended its reception cover.
  • The appointment referral system has been revised and improved.
  • Self-referral to a variety of clinics such as physiotherapy and podiatry.
  • A new consent form has been introduced that outlines informed consent and gives the opportunity for patients to ask the consultants questions
  • Development of localised services to reduce patient travel to mainland appointments
How can I get involved?
Patient Focus and Public Involvement

Patient and Public Representatives

Current Opportunities

Public and Patient Representative – There are no current vacancies at this time.

Should you wish to be considered for any future roles and wish to have an informal discussion about the requirements of taking on the role of a lay representative please feel free to contact:

TK Shadakshari
Volunteer Services Manager
Spiritual Care Department
Western Isles Hospital
Macaulay Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis HS1 2AF
Tel. 01851 704704 ext 2476
Email: tk.shadakshari@nhs.scot

Locality Planning Groups

How best to involve the full range of stakeholders in health and social care integration The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill  places a duty on local authorities and NHS Boards to integrate health and social care services across Scotland.  As part of the Bill, a particular focus has been placed on locality planning arrangements in each area.

Groups consist of individuals who have an interest in health and social care issues. These meetings are open to everyone and usually take place in the evenings.  Members of the public can attend these meetings to listen to the discussions.

Locality Planning Groups have been established in Harris, Barra & Vatersay, Uist, rural Lewis and Stornoway and Broadbay under the Integration Joint Board.

To find out more about the Locality Planning Groups please contact Catriona Mackenzie, Western Isles Integrated Joint Board (IJB), tel. (01851) 600501 or email catriona-mackenzie@cne-siar.gov.uk