A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will support the public
to access the most appropriate care this winter as services deal
with increased demand.
Through the Scottish Government and COSLA's joint Winter
Preparedness Plan, continued investment for NHS 24 will increase
service capacity to provide clinical supervision for at least
150,000 additional calls per year and help prevent unnecessary
A&E attendances.
Key measures to support services in the face of increased demand,
include; improving discharge planning for patients admitted to
acute or community hospitals, maintaining established care at
home packages and a Government led delayed discharge response
team to directly support Boards in need of assistance. Planned
care capacity will also be safeguarded with a continued focus on
clearing long waits.
The annual winter vaccination programme, which includes
respiratory condition RSV for the first time, will support a
reduction in severe disease, hospitalisation and mortality -
while protecting health and social care service capacity. The
joint plan also sets out action to support the mental health and
well-being of service staff through increased flexible working
options and dedicated mental health resources.
This year's plan has been published a month ahead of last year,
and earlier than ever before, to allow more time for NHS Boards
and care providers to prepare for winter surges in demand.
Health Secretary said:
“As winter approaches, the NHS will see surges in demand across
all health, social care and social work services. Our joint-plan
Winter Plan with COSLA is just one part of a wider programme of
work to respond to heightened demand.
“A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will be available this
winter to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping
reduce unnecessary A&E attendances. We will continue our work
to reduce delayed discharge in hospitals with an increased focus
on effective discharge planning and protecting care at home
packages. We will also ensure planned care capacity is protected
as much as possible in the face of winter pressure so patients
are seen as quickly as possible.
“We are prioritising frontline services with over £14.2 billion
investment in our boards this year - an almost 3% real terms
uplift – and also investing £2 billion in social care services.
“I thank all health, social care and social work staff for their
continued efforts and dedication to deliver high quality care. It
is fundamental we safeguard their wellbeing, and improved options
on flexible working and continued access to mental health
resources will ensure staff are supported over this challenging
period."
COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly
said:
"It is our shared responsibility to ensure that people and
communities have timely access to quality care and support when
they need it most. We know that Local Government and Health and
Social Care Partnerships across Scotland are working hard to plan
and deliver the essential health and social care services our
communities rely on every day.
"The context within which this takes place is increasingly
challenging, which is why COSLA have worked jointly with the
Scottish Government to produce this plan. Local Government plays
a key role in supporting people to experience better wellbeing
and better outcomes, so it was only right that this plan reflects
the whole system of integrated health and social care, from acute
and primary care to social work, our care homes, community
settings, and our partners across the sector.
"Winter is often a time of exceptional pressure on our services
so I am pleased that this plan, produced with our partners across
the sector, reflects the challenges and the opportunities we
face."
Background
Health & Social Care
Winter Preparedness Plan for 2024-25
