Clinicians and Managers have come together at the Vale of Leven Hospital to explore opportunities for improving access for local people to unscheduled care services in the area.
The meeting, set up by NHSGGC, included representatives from local clinicians and GPs, the Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS 24, West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, and Vale of Leven Hospital senior staff.
The discussion included both in and out of hours and how patients currently present at the hospital’s front door. It also offered the opportunity to identify how local patients can access the most appropriate service for their needs and any areas where services can be delivered safely in the community.
The meeting identified areas for improvement including the triage of patients coming through the front door of the hospital, looking at how to make better use of the accommodation within the current Minor Injuries Unit and Medical Assessment Unit, and access to mental health services in out of hours periods.
Dr David Raeside, Chief of Medicine for the Clyde Sector, said: “This was an incredibly positive meeting with contributions and commitments from across the local teams to develop ideas and thinking around how to best improve services and pathways into the hospital for our patients.”
Jackie Smart, General Manager for Surgical Specialties, Critical Care and Theatres, added: “This work is part of our commitment to the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital and ensuring that local health services continue to be reviewed and improved to deliver modern healthcare.”
Kirsteen Maclennan, West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “This very positive meeting allows us to make further plans together to ensure local people are aware of and have access to the right service at the right time, including a range of community and hospital services.”
The feedback from the meeting will now be developed into a number of recommendations and actions which will be taken forward.
There will also continue to be ongoing engagement with partner organisations including local GPs and the Scottish Ambulance Service.