NHS Lanarkshire is set to introduce eTriage, a digital check-in and triage system designed to enhance patient safety.
eTriage is an easy-to-use yet advanced digital system that involves the patient self-registering when they arrive in an Emergency Department. It supports clinicians by gathering key patient information at the point of arrival, allowing for faster assessment and prioritisation of care. This system does not replace staff-led triage but helps to ensure patients get the right care as quickly as possible.
The data, overseen by clinicians, also provides an additional and continuous ‘safety lens’ on the waiting room.
Launching in Spring 2025, eTriage will first go live at University Hospital Monklands, followed by a phased rollout to University Hospital Wishaw and University Hospital Hairmyres. This marks the first implementation of its kind in Scotland, following on from successful implementation in several NHS trusts in England and Wales.
Claire Ritchie, Interim Director of NHS Lanarkshire’s Interface Directorate, said: “The introduction of eTriage is a proactive step to enhance patient experience, prioritising those in most urgent need while minimising unnecessary delays.
“Importantly, this system will support and enhance our existing processes — not replace them — ensuring that emergency care teams have better visibility and coordination.” At present, patients check in at reception, wait to be assessed by a triage nurse, and then wait again for medical review.
eTriage provides an additional option that streamlines the process by capturing key information at the outset — information normally gathered at reception and then triage — so clinicians have what they need from the moment the patient checks in.
Ms Ritchie added: “By providing a continuous ‘safety lens’ on the waiting room, eTriage ensures critical cases are identified instantly, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making.
“Similar systems have been successfully implemented in England and Wales, with clear improvements in patient flow, safety and clinical oversight.”
To ensure a smooth transition, rigorous testing, staff training, and stakeholder engagement — including with patient representatives — is underway, with communications to inform the wider public.
The first kiosks are expected to be operational at Monklands by late April.
• (From the week of 24th March 2025), works have commenced at the entrance to University Hospital Wishaw’s Emergency Department as part of general improvements to enhance patient experience. These planned works, which will last until 6th April will also incorporate the necessary infrastructure for the introduction of eTriage. Emergency care will continue as normal, and clear signage will be in place to guide patients and visitors
• By providing continuous clinical oversight of the waiting room, eTriage ensures that critical cases are identified rapidly, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making.
• This marks an important step forward in NHS Lanarkshire’s commitment to modern, patient-centred emergency care.
Stay informed: NHS Lanarkshire will share regular updates across its channels ahead of the rollout, ensuring patients know what to expect. Visit: eTriage Frequently Asked Questions | NHS Lanarkshire
