Services dealing with ‘extraordinary surge' in flu
cases.
Health Secretary underlined the ‘resolve and
resilience' of the NHS as he praised the dedication of Scotland's
health and social care workforce in facing up to an
‘extraordinary surge' in Influenza A cases.
The number of patients admitted to hospital as an emergency and
testing positive for flu has surpassed the recent peak of the
winter of 2022/23.
Following the latest in a series of meetings with First Minister
, health boards, the Scottish
Ambulance Service, Public Health Scotland and NHS 24 earlier this
week, Mr Gray praised the NHS response to the increased pressures
on the system, in a statement to parliament.
He also thanked members of the public for continuing to follow
guidance on the best way to access services, and for doing their
bit to reduce the spread of infections in the community.
He stated that, as of 15 December, more than 1.2 million adult
flu vaccinations have been administered. Those eligible to be
vaccinated have until March to do so, with many health boards
offering drop-in clinics.
Mr Gray said expert healthcare advice is available without the
need for an appointment through the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
service, adding that £13.6 million of additional funding has been
invested in General Practices to enable the recruitment and
retention of staff.
Services such as Discharge to Assess and Hospital at Home are
also key to helping health and social care partnerships to reduce
delayed discharges, ensuring people who are clinically ready to
leave hospital can do so.
Mr Gray said:
“The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of
pressures across the health and care sector is inspiring.
“Every part of our health service has gone above and beyond to
serve the country during the hardest months of the year.
“I'd like to thank the ambulance service staff for their
sacrifice and devotion to their task, staying at work beyond the
end of their shift as they wait to turnaround at hospitals.
“I'd also like to thank social care staff doing extra shifts to
make up for staff being off sick with flu and GPs working at the
weekends to offer appointments and bolster the resilience of the
entire system.
“Hospital staff, like the porter I met at St John's in Livingston
on Christmas Eve, are working hard to turnaround beds as quickly
as possible.
“This is the reality of public service - relentless, skilled,
devoted and dedicated work to serve the people that need it most.
“Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS staff and sure-handed
planning, we are facing this with resilience and resolve.”
Background
- People who are eligible for winter vaccinations should check
Winter vaccines | NHS inform
and their local health boards for available drop-in clinics.
