NHS24 needs to improve, independent review team says
Improvements that NHS24 should make were set out last week by an independent review team.
The Scottish Executive asked the review team to examine NHS24’s
performance in response to criticism of the service.
In an interim report, the team recommends that the feasibility of two
or three mini-centres across Scotland is considered, the use of call-back
is reviewed and that NHS24 should work more closely with health boards.
The review notes that NHS24 faced a particular challenge of peaks in
calls at weekends and during public holidays after nearly 90 per cent
of Scotland’s GPs opted out of 24-hour care. Staff management needs
to be tackled, with the report stating that an “extreme family
friendly” culture has left NHS24 with more than 300 shift patterns.
A final report that will set out how to improve service efficiency, respond
to the needs of rural areas and deliver a seamless patient journey is
expected in September. |
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