Tag: winter health campaign

Pressures on health service: resilience committee meets again

The Scottish Government’s resilience committee (SgoRR) has met again to discuss the impact of winter on NHS and social care, chaired by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Pressures on the system remain acute, despite a slight improvement in A&E waiting time statistics published this week.

The First Minister heard updates on rates of respiratory illness, levels of hospital capacity and actions to alleviate delayed discharge. This includes a nationwide re-assessment of hospital patients who are clinically safe to be discharged, so they can be moved home or to a homely setting as soon as possible.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy First Minister, Health Secretary and other cabinet ministers, along with the Chief Medical Officer and senior representatives from NHS boards, COSLA, Integration Joint Boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf will also meet NHS24 recruits in Cardonald later today. The trainees are part of around 200 new staff who are set to join the service by the end of March, helping to ensure adequate resource continues to be in place to respond to calls from the public.

The First Minister said: “There is no doubt that we are still seeing very acute demands across most of the health and social care system.

“That means it remains important to continue to pursue every avenue to improve the flow of patients through hospitals, and to ensure people are able to safely leave when they are fit for discharge.

“The measures discussed at SGoRR today are all helping to address these issues, but we remain indebted to the incredible efforts of staff right across the health and social care system for their commitment and hard work during this extremely challenging winter.”

Lothian labs deliver vital tests amid ongoing surge in respiratory illnesses

NHS Lothian laboratory teams are the first in Scotland to develop and use PCR testing to detect Group A Strep illnesses among those admitted to hospital.

The tests are proving vital in helping to identify and reduce onward spread of these infections, which are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Patients who are suspected of having a Group A Strep illness are typically treated swiftly with antibiotics, but this treatment impacts the success of more traditional testing methods, meaning an accurate diagnosis is more difficult and can take longer.

The introduction of the PCR testing, which is not affected by antibiotics, means patients are being diagnosed more accurately and much more quickly. A quicker diagnosis means treatments can be tailored, and the potential for onward spread of infection can be significantly reduced.

Dr Kate Templeton, Head of Molecular Diagnostics, NHS Lothian explained, “While the ongoing impacts of COVID are still being felt across healthcare, and society more generally, a more positive outcome of the pandemic has been the wealth of research and innovation within laboratory testing and diagnostics.

“Within NHS Lothian, we are taking the experience and knowledge gained throughout the pandemic and applying that to other health conditions. The development and use of the PCR test, which had more commonly been used in response to COVID, for Group A Strep illnesses is hugely important. Not only is it providing quicker diagnosis, but it is helping to reduce the spread of these infections and ultimately it is saving lives.”

The Lothian labs team is now processing PCR tests for suspected Group A Strep illnesses for all Health Boards across Scotland, a vitally important role, amid the ongoing surge in respiratory illness that is being seen across the country, and which is hugely impacting levels of hospital presentations and admissions.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “The NHS Lothian laboratory teams did incredible work throughout the pandemic, but they haven’t stopped there.

“This new development, which builds on their immense knowledge, and the investment we have made in this area, is now proving vital as Scotland’s healthcare system responds to increased and sustained levels of respiratory illnesses.

“The introduction of the PCR test will mean Scotland’s hospitals can diagnose Group A Strep illnesses more quickly, improving treatment options for patients and minimising the potential spread of infection. This innovation is proving invaluable now, but will continue to play a vital role in future years.

“I am immensely proud of the laboratory teams for their ongoing work in this area, and as they continue to support not just NHS Lothian, but Scotland’s other Health Boards throughout this particularly difficult winter.”

Know how to get the right care, in the right place this Christmas

As Christmas and Hogmanay both fall on the weekend this year, most health care providers will have different opening hours from usual.

Ahead of the busy festive holiday, NHS 24 is reminding people across Scotland to be aware of changes to opening hours for their local GP practice and pharmacies.

Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director says, “We are anticipating very high call volumes over the festive break and a continued high demand for the 111 service. NHS 24 staff continue to work tirelessly, with a commitment to deliver safe and effective services 24/7 and answer every call as quickly as possible.

“It’s vital that everyone is aware of what help and advice there is out there over the Christmas and new year public holidays.

“For any health care advice or information that is urgent, but not life-threatening, go online and use nhsinform.scot. NHS inform has lots of health guidance, whether that be self-care advice, information on the appropriate healthcare providers that are close to home. It also explains when and why to call the 111 service.

“Scotland’s Service Directory is a brilliant resource and can be accessed on NHS inform, but very easily on NHS 24’s new app NHS 24 Online. The website and app have the handy ‘Find my Nearest’ function that allows the user to locate health and care services within their local area by using their post code or location. They will be able to see how far away each service is, if it is open or closed, and phone numbers for the service. The app can be downloaded quickly, and could make seeking advice even more convenient.”

Dr Ryan continues: “We are grateful for the public’s patience and understanding if they have to wait to access the 111 service during this period of high demand. By encouraging the public to have ‘Healthy Know How,’ it is hoped more people in Scotland will have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.”

“If you do fall ill over the festive period, it’s essential you know where to get the right care, in the right place. Anyone in a  situation considered life-threatening or an emergency, should still always call 999 or go straight to the Emergency Department.”

Dr Ryan’s advice is part of a NHS Scotland national health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays. Tips include:

  • Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
  • Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure you have some remedies in the house.
  • Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
  • Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.

More details on the Healthy Know How campaign can be found here – www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Right Care, Right Place: Healthcare awareness campaign launched

Scots are being urged to play their part to ease pressure on the NHS this winter as an awareness campaign is launched.

Targeted advertising on TV, radio and online will encourage people to get the right care in the right place – diverting them away from busy A&E wards where appropriate.

It will make clear that – if a condition is not life-threatening – people can visit their local pharmacy, dial NHS 24 on 111, or contact their GP. It will also signpost people to the NHS Inform website which provides practical self-help guides.

Pandemic backlogs, Brexit-driven staff shortages and inflation costs have all contributed to make this the most challenging winter the NHS has ever faced.

This advertising campaign is the latest step in the £600 million winter resilience plan which is already recruiting an extra 1,000 extra staff, vaccinating the public from COVID-19 and the flu, and prioritising care for the most vulnerable.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited Edinburgh’s Bangholm Medical Centre to hear experiences of how multi-disciplinary teams are already embracing the approach. He said: “I am under no illusion that this winter will be the toughest in the history of our great NHS, which is why I am pulling every lever at my disposal to help ease pressure where possible.

“This campaign will make it easier than ever to know where to go to get the right care in the right place – saving patients time and freeing up space in our emergency departments.

“It is the latest step in our £600 million resilience plan to support our NHS through the tough winter ahead, which will recruit 1,000 extra staff, vaccinate the public from COVID-19 and flu, and prioritise care for the most vulnerable.”

Peju Adeyemo, Physician Associate, at Bangholm Medical Centre said: “Physician associates are healthcare professionals with a generalist medical education, who work alongside doctors providing medical care as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.

“We are able to alleviate pressure on GPs because we can see a broad spectrum of patients, provide holistic care and follow up. Furthermore, we are able to see more acute patients thereby freeing up time for GPs to see more chronic conditions where 15 minutes appointments may not be suitable.”