As the festive season approaches, NHS Lanarkshire has put in place a comprehensive winter plan designed to address the unique challenges posed by the colder months.
Professor Jann Gardner, NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive, said: “We are committed to providing safe care to our communities, and this plan reflects our proactive approach to meeting the challenges of the winter season head-on.
“The collaboration between the NHS, social care services and local authorities is essential for a successful winter plan. Together, we can ensure the health and well-being of our community members.”
Operation FLOW is a key component of the Lanarkshire Winter Plan. It is a whole health and care system initiative to improve flow through our hospitals and improve patient experience. This has included:
- £5.9 million committed to ongoing recruitment what will eventually see 130 new posts to support flow. Some staff are already in post with more to join in the coming weeks and months. In addition, a further £5 million is being invested to move existing fixed-term posts to permanent.
- A new Target Operating Model to set out an improved patient journey through our hospitals from pre-admission to discharge
- A Rapid Emergency Assessment Care Team (REACT) on all three sites to see and treat patients more effectively and efficiently
- An enhanced Flow Navigation Centre to support the effective management of supporting patients who need urgent or unscheduled care.
- Expansion of the Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Wishaw (UHW) with new minor injury and ambulatory care areas.
The Lanarkshire Winter Plan also includes:
- Enhanced service to support general practices opening on public holidays and Saturdays in January
- Extended public holiday pharmacy service available to ensure that people can both access prescriptions as well as being available for re-direction from NHS24, the Primary Care Out of Hours Service, emergency departments and the Flow navigation Centre where possible
- A robust vaccination campaign is underway to protect the community from Covid-19, seasonal flu and other preventable illnesses.
- An extensive public awareness campaign to educate the public on the importance of using healthcare services responsibly, including when to seek emergency care and when alternative options, such as pharmacies, may be more appropriate.
The Lanarkshire approach to winter planning is a multi-agency approach across NHS Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) and both councils together with the respective supports, for example, the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24.
Professor Gardner, said: “Last winter, health and social care services staff had to contend with some of the most extreme winter pressures ever known, that is why it is important that we have a robust plan in place to deliver safe and effective Lanarkshire health services.
“We are working closely with community organisations, local authorities, and other healthcare providers to streamline patient care and enhance coordination. This collaborative effort aims to improve the overall health outcomes of our community.”
The Lanarkshire Winter Plan is available at https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/download/winter-plan-2023-2024/.
The Winter Hub has been launched as part of wider public messaging supporting the wider Lanarkshire Winter Plan. The platform is designed to help Lanarkshire residents access a wide range of health care services this winter, including resources for self-care, planning ahead, if eligible getting vaccinated and accessing the right care at the right place.
