On board for new initiative

NHS staff training

NHS Lanarkshire is one of only four health boards in Scotland to be involved in a new Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) initiative to improve patient management processes within general practice.

Boards across the country had to bid to be part of the fully- funded national collaborative programme, called iHub.

The initiative provides staff with the training and skills to improve the overall patient and staff experience through: better signposting to relevant healthcare services; shorter waiting times for help and guidance; better support for self-help and self- management for health care and long-term conditions; and easier access to GP appointment where patients need to see a GP.

Coatbridge general medical practice is one of four practices in Lanarkshire taking part and will share the “learning and good practice they develop” with others in their locality to “maximise the benefits for all patients and practice staff across Lanarkshire”.

NHS Lanarkshire’s bid is part of their Primary Care and Mental Health Transformation Programme – an innovative change programme which aims to improve patient access to health care services in the community.

Dr Linda Fi n d l ay, associate medical director for south health and social care partnership, said: “We’re delighted that the Lanarkshire bid was successful and that local general medical practices were keen to take part.”