Meaningful engagement with local communities from an early stage, including during the options appraisal process, brings many benefits when NHS boards are considering changes to local services. Proposals will take account of local needs and an open dialogue will help to gain more support from local people.

In 2014 NHS Highland carried out a public consultation on proposals to close two community hospitals in Badenoch and Strathspey (Ian Charles, Grantown on Spey and St Vincent’s, Kingussie) and build a new hospital and health centre in Aviemore. More information about the process is contained in the report written by our service change team.

In this video, staff from NHS Highland reflect on the ways in which members of the public were involved in this project, and how they helped to shape the final proposals.

(August 2015)