Patients should spend less time waiting for urgent care and be able to return home sooner under new plans designed to improve the movement of people through Scotland’s hospitals.
Health Secretary Angela Constance says the Scottish Government will set out immediate, medium and longer term action to tackle delays and provide more care in people’s homes and communities.
The hospital flow plan will focus on the entire patient journey, from finding the right service in the first place through to leaving hospital with appropriate support in place.
Ministers acknowledge that patients are currently waiting too long for urgent care and can remain in hospital longer than medically necessary because suitable community support is not available.
The government also believes more treatment can be delivered away from acute hospitals, allowing those settings to concentrate on life threatening emergencies, acute care and highly specialised treatment.
Plans include expanding community services, Hospital at Home, virtual care and digital support while making it easier for patients to identify the most appropriate service for their needs.
The intention is to create a more connected system in which people can receive appropriate treatment closer to home and avoid hospital admission where it is not necessary.
It also aims to improve discharge arrangements so patients who no longer require hospital treatment can return home sooner with support to remain independent.
Health Secretary Angela Constance said:
“Every one of us will rely on our precious health or care services at some point in our lives and people rightly expect NHS services that are responsive, joined up and easy to access.
“Too often that is not the case with services difficult to navigate, patients waiting too long for urgent care or spending longer than necessary in hospital because the community support is not in place.
“Staff work incredibly hard to provide the best possible care but are doing so in a system facing rising demand, increasing complexity and significant pressure.
“The current model of care is unsustainable.
“That is why this government promised, in its first 100 days, to publish a plan that would set the direction for a system that is easier to access, better connected and designed around people’s needs.
“This means a smoother journey through hospital and returning home sooner, with the right support to remain independent in your community.
“Hospitals are the place for life-threatening emergencies, the most acute care and highly specialised treatment, but many other health and care needs can be met closer to home.
“This government is focused on delivering more care at home and in communities through expanded community services, Hospital at Home, virtual care, digital support and making it easier for people to find the right care, first time.”
