NHSGGC’s virtual A&E service will be operating as normal over this Easter, meaning all patients can continue to receive urgent and emergency treatment without having to travel to a physical A&E.
Also known as the Flow Navigation Centre, the service has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients since it launched in December 2020.
Anyone who has an injury, but it’s not life-threatening, should consider using the service which offers video or telephone consultations with emergency care practitioners seven days per week from 10am-10pm.
Accessible by calling NHS 24 on 111, the virtual A&E team provides advice and treatment on a vast range of illnesses and injuries within one hour of referral.
Following their consultation 40 percent of all patients who speak to the FNC team avoid a physical trip to an A&E or Minor Injuries altogether, while others receive a scheduled appointment at MIU, helping minimising any waiting time at hospital. The remainder are either referred directly through to specialist services for their conditions, bypassing A&E, or, are signposted to a more appropriate service.
Ed Pool leads the virtual A&E team from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Ed said:
“Anyone unfortunate enough to need urgent medical attention this Easter should consider using our virtual A&E service. It’s quicker and more convenient than visiting a physical A&E, and if you do need a follow-up in person, we can arrange an appointment time so you can avoid the queues and get back to spending time with family and friends sooner rather than later.”
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services, said: “As with all public holidays, Easter is a particularly busy time for our A&E staff. It’s especially important for everyone to consider how they use the emergency services during this time. If it’s not life-threatening, please consider an alternative to physical A&E such as the Flow Navigation Centre. The service has overwhelmingly positive feedback for our patients who benefit from treatment at home and appointed follow-ups where required, which minimises any unnecessary wait time at hospital and also frees up our A&E staff to look after patients who have life-threatening illnesses.”
You can find out more information about the Virtual A&E on the NHSGGC website, which also includes a helpful video walk through of the service.
Remember, all patients should also consider using other services during this time including pharmacies and NHS Inform online.
