A Mobile X-Ray service is now available across all care homes in Lanarkshire, bringing diagnostics directly to residents and supporting earlier, more appropriate clinical decisions. This is about breaking the default to hospital and replacing it with earlier, clinically led decision-making.
What’s changed?
If a resident has a suspected fracture, or needs a chest X-ray, the first step is no longer to send them to A&E as the first step. Instead, care home staff contact FNC+Plus. From there, a senior clinician will assess the situation and, where appropriate, arrange for a mobile radiography team to attend the care home. Imaging is carried out on site, results are reviewed quickly, and clear advice is given on what happens next.
What can the service be used for?
The service supports residents with a suspected fracture to an upper or lower limb (shoulder to hand, knee to foot), or where a chest X-ray is clinically indicated – in situations where the resident would previously have been taken to hospital for imaging. It is intended for residents who are clinically stable, where there is no immediate need for emergency intervention and where it is safe and appropriate for assessment to take place within the care home setting following discussion with FNC+Plus.
Why does this mater?
For residents, this can avoid a long and often distressing wait in ED, particularly for those who are frail or living with dementia. Care stays in a familiar environment, and decisions can be made more quickly. For care home staff, it removes the need to escort residents to hospital and provides a clear, supported route into clinical decision-making. For clinicians, it allows for earlier diagnostic clarity and reduces avoidable conveyance, supporting safer and more proportionate care.
How do care home staff access it?
Access is simple. If a member of care home staff thinks a resident may benefit, they can call FNC+Plus (via the contacts details that have been shared with care home managers). The team will coordinate the request, arrange imaging where appropriate, and guide the care home through the next steps. All referrals go through this route, ensuring a consistent and clinically led approach.
What happens after the X-ray?
Images are uploaded and reviewed, and FNC+Plus will advise on the outcome. That might include pain management, discussion with a GP, planned hospital attendance if needed, or onward referral to services such as physiotherapy or falls teams. The pathway is coordinated end-to-end.
What’s the key message for care home staff?
Before arranging a hospital transfer, take a moment to pause. Call FNC+Plus and explore the option first. In many cases, the right care can now be delivered where the patient already is.
Why is this being introduced?
This service is part of a wider shift across Interface services – focusing on earlier intervention, better coordination, and delivering care closer to home where it is safe to do so. Its success depends on awareness, confidence and use in day-to-day practice.
Need more information?
Full operational detail is available in the SOP, or you can contact:
FlowNavigationCentre@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
