Our focus over 2023/24 will be on the delivery of the budget savings programme and Inspection Improvement Plan agreed by the EIJB in June 2023, and the refreshed EIJB Strategic Plan. By evolving our Innovation and Sustainability Programme to incorporate these plans, we will work to balance the need for service improvements and financial sustainability alongside continuously promoting positive outcomes for service users. Many of our ongoing change projects will continue to be implemented, such as Home First, One Edinburgh and the bed-based review, with work continuing with primary partners to progress areas of pressure and ensure we have the right mix of services and beds.

We will consult on the refreshed Strategic Plan, with revised strategic objectives which have evolved in light of the impact of COVID-19, the economic situation, and lessons learned from recent inspections and engagement with partners. We will continue to engage with, and respond to, work undertaken by our partners in the wider health and social care landscape, including developments in the data and digital space and in preparation for a National Care Service (NCS). We will carefully consider how we can use these developments to enhance person-centred care and support to our staff and service users. Innovation and sustainability will remain central to our thinking and underpin our desire to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

We are also moving forward with new leadership. In June 2023, NHS Lothian appointed Katharina Kasper to take over as Chair of the EIJB from Councillor Tim Pogson, who will remain as Vice-Chair, as appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council. Following the recent departure of our EIJB Chief Officer, Judith Proctor, Mike Massaro-Mallinson was appointed as Interim Chief Officer from June 2023. We thank Tim and Judith for their work in supporting the EIJB through the challenging times we have faced in recent years. With a fresh leadership team, we look forward to meeting the challenges ahead.