New signs giving out advice installed in Lanarkshire's A and E Units

As Lanarkshire’s A and E departments continue meet waiting time targets, NHS Lanarkshire’s installed new signs in its three hospitals to “improve the patient experience” for those in Accident and Emergency waiting rooms.

While the Scottish Government has set the target of having 95% of patients in A&E either admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours, the latest Public Health Scotland statistics showed in the week ending November 12 this happened in just 57.9% of cases.

This is below the national average of 64% - figures which have prompted the Tories to claim the NHS “looks set to plunge into a state of winter chaos”.

The Health Board says a new signage outside each emergency department and in waiting areas, “keeps patients informed during their A&E journey” and highlights other services that might be more appropriate for them.

362 people waited more than 12 hours in Wishaw, Hairmyres or Monklands in November this year – up from 285 in October.

Dr John Keaney, acute medical director for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Every patient has a different journey through the emergency department dependent on the severity of their condition. Patients are managed in order of urgency, with those with life threatening injuries or illnesses being treated first.

“We aim to treat everyone as quickly as possible. However, during peak times, those patients who do not have a life-threatening condition may face a lengthy wait as those who are most unwell are prioritised first for care.

“We understand that waiting can be frustrating for patients. So the signage will help keep everyone informed during their time within the Emergency Department and provide important information around aspects such as potential care pathways, the staff they may come into contact with and what can impact waiting times for treatment.”

Signage at the entrance of the Emergency Departments repeat the message that pharmacists and dentists may be better placed to help with some issues..

The health board says the new signs are all part of the FLOW system - which is designed to help treat people in their own home setting as much as possible.

The health board says the signs are part of Operation FLOW 2 - a plan focused on making the whole patient experience smoother and avoiding an admission wherever possible.

Further information on the healthcare services available across Lanarkshire can be found on the NHS Lanarkshire website: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/experts/

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