Dundee IJB reports progress despite growing pressures
Dundee Integration Joint Board (IJB) has published its Annual Performance Report for 2025/26, highlighting progress in supporting people to live independently, improving hospital discharge performance, expanding mental health support and strengthening support for unpaid carers despite ongoing financial and workforce pressures.
The report shows that more than 98% of hospital discharges took place without delay and that Dundee continues to perform significantly better than the Scotland average for delayed discharge bed days. Survey feedback also showed that 79% of adults supported at home felt they were able to live independently, while 71% said services helped maintain or improve their quality of life.
Mental health and wellbeing services continued to grow during the year. Hope Point supported 1,736 people through almost 6,000 contacts, 606 people received suicide prevention training, and access to psychological therapies improved, with 82.6% of people starting treatment within 18 weeks – above the national average.
The report also highlights positive findings from external inspections. A joint inspection of adult mental health services found Dundee was performing strongly, with all quality indicators rated good or very good. Dundee HSCP-run services inspected during the year also received very good ratings.
Support for unpaid carers remained a key priority. Following a review of the local carers strategy, a refreshed strategy was approved, while local services reported that 99% of carers who accessed support felt their health and wellbeing had improved and 99% felt more confident in their caring role.
The report recognises that these achievements have been delivered during a period of growing demand and sustained pressure across health and social care services. It highlights the continued commitment of staff, partners, unpaid carers, third and independent sector organisations, volunteers and local communities, while acknowledging the significant challenges that remain around workforce capacity, rising demand and financial sustainability.
During 2025/26 the IJB spent £380 million on health and social care services and reported a £5.7 million operational overspend. Looking ahead, the IJB will focus on improving access to services, strengthening prevention and support at home, redesigning key services, supporting the workforce and improving long-term financial sustainability.