Greater Glasgow public urged to avoid unnecessary hospital visits

A new model for unscheduled care has been rolled out to help keep patients safe, avoid unnecessary hospital visits and ensure people receive the right type of care as quickly as possible.

The ‘Right Care Right Place’ model means patients who would normally attend A&E for an urgent but non-life-threatening condition should now instead call NHS24 on 111 for a telephone assessment and referral to the most appropriate service suited to their needs.

Patients are also reminded to continue using their local GPs for advice.

For the new model to work, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has developed a special ‘flow navigation hub’ which offers patients rapid access to senior clinical decision-makers, where appropriate, through NHS24 who can provide consultations and have the ability to advise self-care or signpost patients to the most appropriate available local services.

This could include mental health hubs, Minor Injury Units, Primary Care (in and out of hours), A&E, as well as existing Covid-19 pathways.

For life-threatening emergencies, patients should still dial 999 or go directly to A&E.

Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Instead of presenting to A&E services, calling 111 or phoning your local GP should be the first port of call for anyone with an urgent, but non-life threatening condition.

“Our new flow hubs work in close partnership with NHS24 to ensure patients engage with exactly the right service for their condition as quickly as possible.

“If it’s urgent, but non-life threatening, you are far more likely to receive the right type of care, faster, by going through these routes, than by presenting to A&E services.”

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 should not attend an emergency department and must adhere to public health advice.

They should contact the NHS to arrange to be tested – either online at NHSInform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.