DELEGATES from Denmark have visited East Lothian Community Hospital to learn about the ways in which health and social care services can be delivered through integrational partnerships in the county.

The Danish visit, which was organised in conjunction with the Digital Health and Care Directorate at Scottish Government, is part of a wider European study trip by the regional council, who also have representatives visiting Helsinki.

Identified as delivering exemplary best practice, East Lothian was selected as one of the Scottish itinerary destinations to allow the delegation to see and hear from the Health and Social Care Partnership team, which incorporates staff members from NHS Lothian and East Lothian Council.

The underlying success factor being, that each member of personnel plays a vital role in a collective team to deliver the best care for the patient.

The delegation were particularly interested in seeing ways in which innovation and the use of digital technology have been utilised in the delivery of health and social care services.

East Lothian Courier: Delegates are also visiting HelsinkiDelegates are also visiting Helsinki (Image: Pixabay)

Their excursion subsequently included a visit to the Well Wynd Hub in Tranent, which is a dedicated facility used by housing teams, telecare, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to demonstrate to individuals how equipment, aids and technology can be used in a real life setting to assist people to live independently at home.

While at the Hub, the delegates heard about the Active and Independent Living Clinic offered to East Lothian residents.

Using an early intervention and prevention approach, the clinic has enabled occupational therapists to discuss and deliver personally tailored solutions to support individuals to live and self-manage their conditions at home.

The digital platform that is used in East Lothian was also demonstrated, giving the delegation a look into the smart technology tailored solutions that are being used to great success in the county.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, chief executive Jane Kraglund said: “It has been so beneficial to see and hear first-hand how health and social care is integrated in East Lothian.

East Lothian Courier: East Lothian Community HospitalEast Lothian Community Hospital (Image: Contributed)

"It has been very interesting to see the success that has been achieved through innovation, collaboration and by embracing change to deliver a wide variety of health and social care services.

"It has given us a lot of good ideas to take home with us.”

Fiona Wilson, chief officer for ELHSCP added: “We were delighted to be invited to host the delegation from the Regional Council of Southern Denmark and showcase the integration of health and social care services.

"It has been a fantastic experience for us all, but especially for the teams that have made this integration and innovation happen.

"They are the true reason for our success, work together collaboratively day in, day out to deliver the best health and best care for our county’s residents.”