Scotland introduces new NHS hospital flow plan

The Scottish Government has introduced a new hospital flow plan aimed at improving patient movement through the NHS and reducing long waits in Accident and Emergency departments. Health Secretary Angela Constance stated that the initiative seeks to provide more healthcare within patients' homes and communities, though she noted that some individuals may need to travel further for highly specialized care.

The plan includes the implementation of an enhanced urgent care triage system led by new Integrated Navigation Centres, which will be operated jointly by NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and local health boards. Additionally, the strategy proposes increasing the number of diagnostic tests and specialist assessments conducted outside of hospital admissions.

While First Minister John Swinney described the plan as a delivered commitment to ensure patients receive timely treatment, the Royal College of Nursing Scotland has raised concerns. Executive Director Colin Poolman argued that the plan lacks specific details on how corridor care will be measured, monitored, and reported, calling for a fully-funded action plan and consistent public reporting to effectively eradicate the practice.