THE public “will have a voice” in the development of care affecting Dumbarton and the Vale, health chiefs have promised.

The assurance comes from the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WDHSCP), as it was announced two of its members will be involved in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s “Moving Forward Strategy” for services in West Dunbartonshire.

Councillor Marie McNair, convener of WDHSCP, said: “We are committed to providing the right support to residents to help people remain at home if that’s their preference.

“We want all our residents to have long, happy independent lives and our key aim is to continue working with our colleagues in the NHSGGC in delivering quality services that meet the health requirements of our residents.

“The two members selected will ensure residents in West Dunbartonshire have a voice and they are represented going forward. ”

Work has already begun with members of the core transformational team meeting last month to take forward the first of four phases, expected to be completed by June next year.

Beth Culshaw, chief officer for WDHSCP, said: “The committee recommended two lay members to represent West Dunbartonshire on the transformational board.

“The key aim of the strategy is to ensure we continue to provide safe, effective and personal care to meet the current and future needs of our residents.

“I am confident the development of this strategy will help us to continue to deliver excellent care to the residents in West Dunbartonshire and key to this is engaging effectively with patients, clinicians and representatives from the start. I am also confident the two members will be excellent representatives and will keep us fully informed of the progress of the group.”