NHS Lanarkshire's FNC+Plus Aims to Transform Winter Care with Innovative Approach

NHS Lanarkshire's FNC+Plus Aims to Transform Winter Care with Innovative Approach

NHS Lanarkshire's Flow Navigation Centre+Plus aims to revolutionize unscheduled care, urging community cooperation to manage winter pressures effectively.

Emilio Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Emimlio Juan Brignardello Vela

Emilio Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Health

As hospitals across the UK brace for the anticipated winter pressures, NHS Lanarkshire is pioneering a new approach to managing unscheduled care that could revolutionize patient support in the region. The health board is urging community members to utilize the appropriate care channels to maximize the effectiveness of its innovative service, the Flow Navigation Centre+Plus (FNC+Plus). Operating from a cutting-edge control center in Bothwell, the FNC+Plus team consists of a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including nurses, emergency consultants, ambulance staff, and support personnel. This dedicated team works 24/7 to ensure that patients receive timely responses and, wherever feasible, care in the comfort of their homes or communities. Trudi Marshall, NHS Lanarkshire's interface director, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the FNC+Plus team, which is unique in its scale and scope across the UK. “Our team is driven by a singular objective: to ensure that you receive the right care as quickly and efficiently as possible, especially during vulnerable moments,” she noted. However, she emphasized that the program's success hinges on public cooperation. The community's trust in the expertise of the FNC+Plus professionals is crucial for effective service delivery. The launch of NHS Lanarkshire’s Winter Health Hub aligns with this initiative, providing a roadmap of healthcare options to navigate seasonal illnesses. By encouraging patients to seek assistance through established channels, such as NHS 24, the FNC+Plus team can better manage the flow of cases. Currently handling around 7,000 calls each month, the center coordinates care by directing patients to appropriate services, which can include options like Hospital at Home and community respiratory care. In its first 19 weeks, the FNC+Plus handled over 30,000 calls, successfully redirecting nearly 5,000 patients to alternative support options, thereby reducing the necessity for hospital visits. Marshall acknowledged the frustration some may experience with waiting times for initial contact services like NHS 24, but stressed that circumventing these channels typically results in longer waits at A&E, especially for non-life-threatening conditions. Notably, the FNC+Plus initiative also facilitates video consultations with emergency consultants, further decreasing the need for unnecessary trips to the emergency department. When physical attendance is required, the team ensures that these visits are scheduled efficiently to minimize patient wait times. Professor Jann Gardner, NHS Lanarkshire's chief executive, reinforced the commitment of the organization to provide compassionate care during the most challenging times for individuals. “Our goal is to be present for our communities when they need us most, ensuring they receive the right care at the right moment,” he said. According to Gardner, the FNC+Plus represents a significant step toward a broader reform in healthcare delivery, emphasizing resource optimization, innovation, and a steadfast focus on patient-centered care. The initiative symbolizes a blend of advanced technology and compassionate service, aiming to reshape how healthcare is accessed and experienced in Lanarkshire. With the unwavering commitment of the NHS Lanarkshire workforce and their collective expertise, the FNC+Plus team is poised to redefine the standards of unscheduled care in the region. As winter approaches, the health board is appealing for community support to navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that every patient receives the attentive care they deserve.

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