Question reference: S5W-01110
- Asked by: Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 28 June 2016
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Shona Robison on 30 June 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the NHS 24 Future Programme.
Answer
There will be a phased implementation of NHS 24’s new system starting later in summer 2016.
The NHS 24 board at its meeting on 29 June 2016 agreed that implementation of its future programme would commence in summer with the introduction of its new telephony system across a range of planned care services in 2016, including Breathing Space, NHS Living Life, Musculoskeletal helpline, Death Certification, Blood Transfusion and Fit For Work Service; to be followed by the phased introduction of the system, and full implementation across all health boards by the end of 2017.
While the delays are disappointing, given the previous attempt to launch, it is important that all aspects of the system have been tested, are safe and that staff are able to confidently handle the system before it is introduced. We shall continue to make and review progress on this basis.
We also expect the NHS 24 board to make every effort to ensure best use of resources in delivering this system, including taking every effort to manage this implementation within existing funding. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with NHS 24 during this time.