Urgent action needed to make sure NHS can cope with winter

The pressure on health services over the festive period is “not sustainable”, according to a report.

The situation will only worsen unless “robust measures” are taken across the health and social care sectors over holiday periods, a review by Sir Lewis Ritchie found.

The report made more than 20 recommendations, including more promotion of pharmacies as a source of advice and medicines, more senior staff working and proactive discharge planning in advance of public holidays.

Sir Lewis said “significant progress” has already been made.

However, one recommendation is to create local clinics for the holiday season, bringing together groups of GPs, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics who could assess, treat and prescribe for a range of medical and social conditions.

The report said: “Available and accessible urgent care services over public holidays are under pressure, particularly over the Christmas and Easter festive periods.

“This is not sustainable and will worsen unless robust measures are taken.

“Future service design and delivery should enable tailored advice, support and self-care where appropriate.”

The Scottish Government said the report’s findings have been shared across the NHS and are being incorporated into winter planning.

NHS boards are to receive £8.4 million this winter.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “This additional funding, a record level for any one year, will help the provision of services throughout Christmas and New Year.”