Norwegian VIPs visit NHS Lan

Norway’s health secretaries visited NHS Lanarkshire to learn about the health board’s work in implementing “realistic medicine”.

The approach“puts patients at the centre of decision-making”using a five-question template to help discuss and make informed choices about their treatment – considering whether the test, treatment or medicine is needed, the benefits and risks, what changes could improve a patient’s health or condition and what would happen if nothing was done.

Health board officials say it has also had practical benefits including improving rates of procedures such as tonsillectomies, and reducing gastroenterology waiting times.

Norwegian health and care state secretary Anne Grethe Erlandsen headed a delegation who visited Hairmyres Hospital to learn more about realistic medicine from clinical lead Dr Babu Mukhopadhyay and colleagues who have been putting it into practice.

Dr Mukhopadhyay said:“This is an approach that not only transforms how we engage with our patients, but genuinely gives them the power to make the healthcare decisions that influence their daily lives.

“It’s about healthcare professionals and patients working together, being realistic about what we can achieve, and delivering options that fit with individuals’lives and preferences.

“By doing this, we can deliver an efficient and effective healthcare service that not only focuses on the person, but also makes the best use of the resources available.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the state secretary and her colleagues and share our realistic medicine journey with them; I’m sure our guests found it informative and inspiring, and a great example of how we’re keeping medicine real here in NHS Lanarkshire.”