Advice to call 111 for non ‘life-saving care’

NHS Lanarkshire is advising Airdrie and Coatbridge residents who need “urgent, but not life-saving care” to call 111.

People with non-life threatening conditions who would usually attend A&E should call NHS 24 on 111 first – day or night.

Dr John Keaney, NHS Lanarkshire’s acute medical director and a consultant in emergency medicine, said: “NHS 24 will assess people by telephone and refer them to the right care, delivered by the right healthcare professional, as close to home as possible.

“This could include self-care, GP practice or primary care, pharmacy, a minor injuries unit or referral into the flow centre for a clinical assessment.

“Following this assessment, if the patient still needs to attend A&E the flow centre will arrange this.

“The aim is to help manage surge activity periods and avoid crowding within the A& E department to maintain a safe environment.

“If appropriate, a telephone or video consultation may be offered by A&E staff.

“Emergency calls will always be transferred to the Scottish Ambulance Service in line with established processes.”

This new approach to the way people access urgent care was tested in NHS Ayrshire and Arran during November.

Following evaluation of this test of change, the Scottish Government approved a national roll-out across all health boards.

Dr Linda Findlay, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership medical director, said: “The new NHS 24 pathway will play a crucial role in referring people onto the most appropriate health service for them.

“This offers patients rapid access to senior clinicians who can provide consultations and have the ability to advise self-care or signpost patients to the most appropriate available local services.”

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 should not attend A&E and instead are directed to use NHS inform’s online guide at www. nhsinform.scot to find out how to get tested for coronavirus.

If people cannot access the website they should call 0800 028 2816.

Crucial role NHS 24 will assess residents by telephone and refer them to the right care