Question reference: S6W-09582
- Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 4 July 2022
-
Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 20 July 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what can be done to reduce the need for those with Alzheimer's disease to wait in accident and emergency waiting rooms for extended periods of time.
Answer
Under the Redesign of Urgent Care (RUC) programme, NHS 24 is now available 24/7 and individuals or their carers who think they need to go to A&E but it is not an emergency can first call 111. Their symptoms will be assessed by trained professionals who will direct them to the most appropriate setting for their healthcare need.
Individuals may be directed to their local pharmacy, and they may also be offered a phone or video appointment with their GP or an A&E triage nurse, thereby avoiding a trip to hospital altogether. If A&E attendance is necessary an appointment time can be scheduled to reduce the time they need to spend in the department.
The RUC program aims to improve urgent care pathways for all, however it is potentially particularly beneficial for people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, who can find long waits in A&E particularly distressing.
The Scottish Government continues to co-fund Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Consultants in NHS Boards to provide expert advice on dementia care issues within acute, community and mental health hospital settings - as well as wider community locations including care homes.
They will support established principles and standards such as that systems are in place so that staff can easily identify someone with dementia and that hospitals have access to advice or assessment by a liaison service specialising in the diagnosis and management of dementia.