A suite of new signage has been designed and installed in each of NHS Lanarkshire’s three Emergency Departments to improve patient experience.
The signage, which appears outside each emergency department and within their waiting areas, keeps patients informed during their A&E journey and highlights other services that may provide speedier treatment for non-life-threatening ailments.
The implementation of the signage is part of Operation FLOW 2, which focuses on improving patient and staff experience from avoiding admission to hospital through to discharge and beyond.
Dr John Keaney, acute medical director for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Every patient has a different journey through the emergency department dependent on the severity of their condition. Patients are managed in order of urgency, with those with life threatening injuries or illnesses being treated first.
“We aim to treat everyone as quickly as possible. However, during peak times, those patients who do not have a life threatening condition may face a lengthy wait as those who are most unwell are prioritised first for care.
“We understand that waiting can be frustrating for patients. So the signage will help keep everyone informed during their time within the Emergency Department and provide important information around aspects such as potential care pathways, the staff they may come into contact with and what can impact waiting times for treatment.”
Signage at the entrance of the Emergency Departments also highlight the other healthcare services that are available throughout Lanarkshire if your condition is not life threatening.
For many conditions or ailments, services such as pharmacies, dental practices and optometrists can provide the most appropriate care without a lengthy wait in the Emergency Department.
For example, if you have a minor illness, a pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice. Your local pharmacist, or trained member of the pharmacy team, will give you advice and provide medicine if needed.
Further information on the healthcare services available across Lanarkshire can be found on the NHS Lanarkshire website: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/experts/
