A Lanarkshire library is now set to play a key role in delivering health and social care services.
Locals will be able to attend appointments remotely at Biggar Library which becomes a 'go-to' place for video consultations if home is not an option.
It comes as part of the Near Me in Libraries scheme which sees select services joining around Scotland to boost accessibility for people to attend important meetings.
Around 45,000 consultations are already being held every month across the country, as the scheme is piloted across a range of public service libraries.
Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Chief Executive, Pamela Tulloch, welcomed the opportunity to further expand the role local libraries play in the community, with full support of the initiative.
She said: “Local libraries provide a safe alternative to home and are ideally positioned to support people at risk of digital exclusion, especially in terms of health and care services.
"Networked with free public WiFi, users have access to private and confidential spaces, with trained staff available to support with their digital literacy needs.
“By using public libraries as a venue for ‘Near Me’, clients and patients can access the help they need without having to travel a significant distance from home. Our libraries are free and accessible safe spaces that can provide convenient and confidential online access.”
The move will:
- Make accessing health and social care services more convenient
- Make appointments easier to attend (if you usually need someone to take you to appointments)
- Enable people to have someone with them for support at the appointment (either at the ‘Near Me in Libraries’ setting, or by joining the consultation via video link from another location - even from abroad)
- Be better for the environment by reducing travel
- Reduce the risk of spread of infectious diseases
- Reduce time and cost
- Reduce time away from work, school or home
The new initiative is not a ‘walk-in’ service, however individuals are able to schedule a ‘Near Me’ appointment, with dedicated space booked in the library.
Dr Ann Wales, Programme Director, Knowledge and Decision Support, Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre, explained: “The ‘Near Me’ initiative is a great example of how libraries are becoming active partners in the delivery of health and care.
"It shows how libraries are ideally positioned to provide a go-to place for health information and support in their communities and confirms the key role of libraries in addressing digital inequalities.
“This project is the first in a series of pathfinder projects being progressed through the Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing action plan, all focused on libraries empowering citizens and communities to take more control over their health and wellbeing.”
Rosie Cooper, National Improvement Lead for the ‘Near Me’ programme added: “Scaling up video consultations is a key national priority as use of video will help to allow greater and more convenient access to both routine appointments and specialist support from anywhere in the country."
The pilot results will set the groundwork to inform further rollout for public libraries across the country to begin delivering ‘Near Me’ access as part of their core services.
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