PEOPLE across Ayrshire and Arran are being asked for their views on how health care and services might be delivered remotely in the future.

The use of video consultations across the health board has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic as many face-to-face appointments were cancelled.

In total, the numbers have rocketed from 12 to 592 appointments per week, with 4,816 patients seen over the system Near Me.

Now the Scottish Government team behind Near Me has launched a major engagement exercise to find out what people think about how the system might be improved for the future.

Health chiefs in Ayrshire believe the new system has made an “important contribution” in stopping the spread of coronavirus.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s

nurse director, Professor Hazel Borland, said: “Near Me video consulting is proving to be vital for those who deliver and receive

health and social care during the pandemic and is being extensively used throughout Ayrshire and Arran.

“It has enabled services to continue to be provided without potential exposure to COVID-19 and has significantly reduced the number of people coming into

health and social care premises.

Ms Borland added: “It is important that we plan now for the future post-COVID-19 – and residents in Ayrshire and Arran can help shape that by getting involved with this public survey.

“This is a chance for local people to consider the Scottish Government’s Near Me vision and give their feedback on it.”