Letham health & wellbeing centre opened in 2015 and has been nominated within the innovative rural services category of the annual Scottish digital health and care awards.

Clinics for cardiac, podiatry and anticoagulation are among those housed at the centre, which serves a local population of 3100 individuals, with a significant proportion of older people.

A surgery pod installed there enables people to measure their own vital signs and answer clinical questionnaires via a touch screen device. Measurements are then sent electronically to the GP practice where a person is registered.

Chief Officer of Health & Social Care Partnership in Angus, Vicky Irons, said:

“As a result of these changes, access to healthcare services has improved because people can now visit the local centre in their village instead of travelling to see their GP.

“Between 2015 and 2017 there has been a 400% increase in activity at the clinic in Letham. Fewer home visits are needed so the nurses are avoiding unnecessary travel time releasing more time for care. If people have difficulty in attending an appointment at the Letham Health and Wellbeing Centre they can speak to their GP Practice or Community Nurse for advice.

“I am delighted that the Letham Health & Wellbeing Centre is being recognised by Annual Scottish Digital Health and Care Awards and I would like to thank everyone for all the efforts they have put in to creating these changes and for the work they continue to do every day.” 

The Digital Health and Care Awards ceremony, hosted by Holyrood, takes place on Wednesday 20^th February 2019.