Social Care Partnership to offer 24-hour phone support on Arran
As part of ongoing plans to join Arran health and social care services together, the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership will introduce changes to the manner in which telephone calls are received at Arran War Memorial Hospital(AWM).
All phone calls made to the hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, will be handled in the usual way by local health and social care staff. Outwith these hours, callers will hear a message directing them to call either 111 (NHS24) or 999 (emergency). If your call is about a relative or friend who is in AWM hospital, staff will be able to assist you.
NHS24 111 is the national service for ensuring that you receive appropriate help with urgent medical issues when the GP practice or dentist is closed. All calls are recorded and supported by trained staff who can provide advice and support, and direct your call to services, such as ambulance and the local GP on call.
Making use of the NHS24 111 service will ensure that telephone advice is consistent, accurately recorded and that AWM staff can focus on caring for people in AWM hospital.
A spokesperson from the HSCP said: ‘This is a significant step forward and ensures the safety of people on Arran.
‘People with urgent medical issues who feel they do not need an ambulance can attend A&E at Arran War Memorial Hospital in Lamlash. Remember, in an emergency call 999 immediately.’
This new way of responding to calls will begin in mid-December.