Budget for local Health and Social Care services approved

East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP)'s budget for 2024/2025 was approved by its Integration Joint Board (IJB) on Wednesday, 27 March.

The Partnership is facing a funding gap of £9.8m and the IJB has now approved plans to bridge this gap. The Board also gave the Partnership permission to continue to develop plans for a further £2.1m in savings which will give some flexibility, allow for any financial changes throughout the year and mean Senior Management can plan for financial challenges in 2025/2026. 

Savings agreed today include a continued focus on social care package reviews - which began in 2023 in line with the Partnership's tightened social care criteria to access services , a redesign of several services, including Care at Home and Recovery Services, a reduction in Grant funding to external organisations, a review of HSCP accommodation, a pause in recruitment and voluntary severance/early retirement for Council-employed staff.

The meeting highlighted that one of the biggest challenges for the HSCP is the Prescribing Budget, which is expected to be £3 million over budget in 2024/2025. The HSCP pays for every prescription written in East Renfrewshire, and a combination of factors means this cost continues to rise. The Partnership is working to urgently reduce this cost to balance its books while ensuring residents can access the medication they need.

Anne-Marie Monaghan, Chair of the East Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board, said: "Today's meeting was tough, and the Board has approved these savings with a heavy heart. The Partnership is at the stage where savings can only come from the frontline, so regrettably, residents will see changes to health and social care services in East Renfrewshire.

"We understand how upsetting it is for residents and their families to experience changes to social care and support arrangements, especially when they are used to a higher level of formal support. We are working closely with families, the third, and the voluntary sector to mitigate the impact of changes and help residents find other forms of support in our communities.

"We are not where we would want to be, and these have been tough decisions, but we can reassure residents that we are committed to delivering excellent care and to those who need it the most."

Residents looking for support with any aspect of their health and wellbeing - whether help staying at home, support with their finances, or loneliness - are encouraged to speak to Talking Points at the Community Hub. The experienced team can help residents find support (formal or otherwise, based on their needs) that is right for them. Call 0141 876 9555 or email talkingpoints@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 10 am-3 pm. https://eastrencommunityhub.org.uk/talking-points/