NHS Grampian Board to be updated on move towards Net Zero and Unscheduled Care

NHS Grampian’s board is poised to be updated on efforts to move towards net zero, pressures around unscheduled care and The Baird and ANCHOR Project. Members of the board will meet virtually on 13 June.

As part of his chief executive report, Adam Coldwells will provide updates on the route to net zero and unscheduled care.

Dr Coldwells will tell the board: “Work is underway to identify the relative condition of our buildings and the investment that would be required in order for them to meet environmental sustainability standards in the future.

“Whilst we don’t know what different technologies will be available to assist us with the transition to net zero in the future, we do know that a multi-pronged approach to decarbonising our estate will be necessary. So, we are also exploring investment pathways for building decarbonisation and the implementation of innovative technologies.”

On unscheduled care, Dr Coldwells will report: “We continue to earnestly pursue any opportunities to reduce ambulance delays and make improvements wherever we can” but acknowledges that ambulance waits continue to have a “significant impact”.

He will outline a plan, which is in place, to “for the rapid release of ambulances to respond to life threatening calls in the community” as well as speed up care for anyone who becomes more unwell while waiting outside NHS Grampian hospitals.

Dr Coldwells will note that “In a recent report, the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) concluded that NHS Grampian is already one of the most efficient unscheduled care systems in mainland Scotland” but that they also highlighted “productive opportunities” which are currently being reviewed. The board will also be updated on The Baird and ANCHOR Project. Members will be told the project expects the NHS Scotland Assure Key Stage Assurance Review (KSAR) report on The Baird Family Hospital to be shared by late June. A paper to the board will also confirm that information needed in support of The ANCHOR Centre KSAR, has now been submitted.

An update on the three-year delivery plan will also be set before board members, who will be asked to endorse its contents.

The meeting will also be the first for two new non-executive members – Colette Backwell and Ritchie Johnson - following their appointment by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP.

More information on their appointments can be found by visiting https://www.gov.scot/publications/public-appointment-members-appointed-to-grampian-nhs-board/