Highland libraries set to open new chapter in health and social care with a public access ‘Near Me in Libraries’ scheme pilot
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High Life Highland has signed up to the ‘Near Me in Libraries’ pilot scheme to help people access public sector services, including health and social care, across the region.
Joining select services around Scotland in the pilot project, Thurso Library was the first in the local authority area to launch ‘Near Me in Libraries’, where people will be able to attend appointments remotely.
Building on the existing ‘Near Me’ video consulting service, which is already widely used across Scotland with around 45,000 consultations being held every month, the ‘Near Me in Libraries’ pilot results will set the groundwork to inform further rollout for public libraries across the Highlands, and the rest of Scotland.
Scottish Library & 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.
“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 wi-fi, users have access to private and confidential spaces, with trained staff available to support with their digital literacy needs,” she added.
“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, they say, 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, but 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, said: “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.”
The ‘Near Me’ service was introduced in public libraries in Orkney, East Lothian, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire and Moray in August, with further services in Dumfries & Galloway, Midlothian, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire expected to join the pilot in the coming months.
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 libraries selected cover a diverse range of settings and population types and will be used to test the feasibility. This will include creating confidential booking systems and establishing communication and partnership with local services.”
