NHS Ayrshire and Arran launches new out-of-hours service
It'll ensure calls from patients are handled by the right person.
A new out-of-hours service is being launched by NHS Ayrshire and Arran to ensure calls from patients are handled more effectively.
The Ayrshire Urgent Care Service brings together a number of existing services into one “hub” operating from the Lister Centre at University Hospital Crosshouse.
Services based here will include:
• Ayrshire Doctors On Call (ADOC)
• Out-of-hours district nursing service
• Crisis Resolution Team
• Out-of-hours social work
• East Ayrshire overnight emergency response personal carers
Eddie Fraser, Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, explains: “Redesigning these services will mean that our out-of-hours services are sustainable and can meet the demands of our population now, and into the future. It also means that health and social care services are integrated, providing a more joined-up service for patients.
“Members of the public shouldn’t notice any difference to the access to the service they receive, apart from the change of name, but our intention is to improve the service through a more co-ordinated response. They should still contact NHS24 on 111 or social work on 0800 328 7758 for out-of-hours advice or support.”
This work sits alongside the Emergency Department campaign to encourage people to think before using our out-of-hours services or Emergency Departments.