More healthcare will be delivered at home and in the heart of
communities with hospitals focusing on emergency,
life-threatening and specialist care, under plans published by
the Scottish Government today.
The Health and Care Improving Flow
Plan promises to make it easier and quicker for people
to access the care they need to live healthier, more independent
and fulfilling lives.
The plan commits to a number of immediate, medium and long-term
actions for the NHS in Scotland, including:
- making it easier for people to access the support they need
at the first time of asking, through an enhanced urgent care
triage system, led by new Integrated Navigation Centres delivered
jointly by NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Health
Boards
- increasing same day care provision so more people can receive
tests and specialist assessment without the need to be admitted
overnight to hospital
- patients receiving a planned date of discharge on their first
day in hospital, with the majority leaving within three days
where clinically safe to do so, and barriers to weekend discharge
removed
- a clear focus for Health Boards to reduce corridor care with
the Scottish Government clear it is unacceptable and should be
eradicated
- expand home and community care significantly, with Hospital
at Home services being provided to more than 10,000 patients this
winter
- build on new GP walk-in services, healthy heart and lung
checks, and mental health hubs to create consolidated health and
care hubs in communities
- implementing the Discharge Without Delay' approach in all
health boards by this winter, which includes the increased use of
Acute Frailty Units.
Following a visit to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Health
Secretary said:
At its heart, improving hospital flow is not about targets,
processes or organisational structures. It is about people and
ensuring they can access the care they need, when and where they
need it.
Our plan will help people access more care at their fingertips,
in their homes and in their communities and these reforms are
designed to support them to live healthier, more independent
lives.
While more care will be offered closer to home, via pharmacies,
community-based hubs such as GP walk-in services and healthy
heart and lung checks, some people may need to travel further to
receive the most highly specialised care.
Where people are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or
requiring acute care, they will continue to be cared for in a
hospital setting that prioritises dignity, privacy and
experience.
We are asking people to take an active role in maintaining their
health and wellbeing and to use services appropriately, only
calling 999 in emergency situations where they feel they have to
go to A&E and dialling 111 for non-emergencies.
We will continue to evaluate how this Plan is being implemented.
Where services are performing well, we'll support learning by
spreading good practice. Where it falls short, we will provide
support and, if necessary, take decisive action to improve
outcomes for patients and communities.
Background
Government response to
question
Health and Care Improving Flow
Plan 2026-2031
