Tech solutions push to ease hospital pressures

Tech-based health solutions will “continue to expand” under Scottish Government plans to ease pressure on hospitals.

Ministers want more healthcare to be delivered at home and in community settings.

The move aims to ensure hospitals focus on emergency, life-threatening and specialist care to reduce “corridor care”, in which patients are seen in common areas for lack of beds.

Under the plan, Hospital at Home, virtual care, online and phone consultations, remote monitoring and care at home services will “continue to expand”.

Integrated Navigation Centres delivered jointly by NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and health boards will deliver an “enhanced” urgent care triage system.

Hospital at Home services are to be provided to more than 10,000 people this winter, with efforts made to reduce the prevalence of bed-blocking, in which patients remain in hospital while medically fit for discharge.

Health secretary Angela Constance 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.”