Last week we welcomed the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith to Board Headquarters at Kirklands Hospital.
Professor Smith was visiting to learn more our about realistic medicine and our Flow Navigation Centre+Plus (FNC+Plus),
He was given a presentation on how realistic medicine is supporting patients, their families and health care providers across Lanarkshire. Realistic medicine promotes a personalised approach to care and treatment by discussing the patient’s options and formulating the best treatment plan with the patient and their families.
We have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly to ensure that realistic health and care is adopted widely across the health board and its associated partnerships to assist realistic shared discussions in all aspects of health and care.
Lanarkshire has come a long way but we recognise there is still work to do to deliver comprehensive realistic health and care for the people of Lanarkshire.
We also welcomed the Professor Smith at our Flow Navigation Centre+Plus (FNC+Plus) where he was offered a first-hand look at the 24/7 clinical hub supporting urgent care across Lanarkshire.
FNC+Plus brings together nurses, Emergency Medicine consultants, Scottish Ambulance Service clinicians, Allied Health Professionals and experienced support staff to review cases routed primarily through NHS 24, GPs and SAS. Managing around 7,000 referrals each month, the team works collaboratively to guide patients to the right care at the right time – often avoiding unnecessary hospital attendance.
The visit highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in improving system flow, prioritising the most acutely unwell and safely navigating others towards community services, virtual wards or self-care advice.
As winter pressures continue, FNC+Plus continues to demonstrate how skilled clinical collaboration and clear pathways can make a tangible difference to patient experience and system resilience.
