Health chiefs in Argyll and Bute have outlined wide-ranging ways in which they aim to save money as budget cuts loom in the year ahead.

Among a raft of measures outlined by health and social care providers is more support for "community resilience" - the need for people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing in the future.

Argyll and Bute Heath and Social Care Partnership's Integrated Joint Board (IJB), which may have to find savings of £14 million, is also looking at increased use of technology to support delivery service.

In a statement this week, it says: "For example not all consultations will be face to face, reducing the need to travel to Glasgow but still having access to specialists and the use of home health monitoring increasing."

Following the Scottish Government’s announcement on the NHS budget settlement alongside Argyll and Bute Councils approval of its budget, the HSCP has been assessing what this means for its budget in 2018-19.

The statement says the heads of service are committed to provide the core services that are important to communities, for example emergency and urgent care, quality elderly care, the safety and wellbeing of children.

But they reiterate that with the predicted budget deficit, services will need to change and be delivered in different ways.

"This will mean an emphasis on community resilience and support and individuals taking increasing responsibility for their future health and wellbeing."

They also acknowledge that there have been some delays in progressing with essential changes to services and these now need to be addressed.

"Unplanned emergency admissions remain high across the area and work needs to continue to deliver anticipatory care models to help people stay at home.

"The number of people who are delayed in hospital continues to be high in some areas of Argyll and Bute, and the developing work on the neighbourhood team model of care and the role of advanced nurse practitioners in the community will support an improvement with this.

"Increased efficiencies within care at home remain a priority to ensure the high demand can be met. This is aligned to an accurate assessment of need and the requirement of building on existing support that is in communities."

The joint board adds that the learning disabilities service across Argyll and Bute is to be reviewed and an Argyll and Bute learning disabilities strategy developed.

"This will ensure services are provided in line with the national Keys to Life Strategy."

There will also be a further review of mental health services to ensure safe and sustainable, evidence based services across in patient and community.

Other key areas include: review and redesign of community hospitals, efficient use of drugs and medicines, reduced activity to Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals and closure of buildings that are surplus to requirement.

Lorraine Paterson, Jim Littlejohn and Alex Taylor Heads of Services said “that while they are fully aware of the future difficulties their respective staff and services will face they would like to acknowledge the excellent work that has already contributed to improved and efficient use of resources.”

The heads of service assured communities of Argyll and Bute that their priority is the delivery of safe and sustainable services.