Caroline Sharp

NHS Dumfries and Galloway is already recognised in Scotland as a strong performer. But, with 4,500 staff serving an ageing population of 149,000 across 2,500 square miles, alongside the ever-increasing complexity of healthcare expectations, we cannot be complacent. That’s why, three years ago, we implemented an ambitious programme of change and continuous improvement to ensure our services and infrastructure would still be fit to serve our population in 20 years’ time.Early discussions with managers and senior clinicians across the organisation yielded mixed results. Our managers and clinicians were highly engaged with our core purpose: to provide excellent health care and health services to our population. But there is a phrase in Dumfries and Galloway: “It’s aye been” (“It’s always been this way”). So, while some were enthusiastic about the opportunity for whole system change, many were concerned by the prospect.