Changes to accessing urgent care expected in winter plan

Changes to how people access urgent care expected to be announced as part of the NHS Winter Preparedness Plan.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman is set to publish the plans on Wednesday afternoon as Scotland continues to wrestle with the pandemic.

They will outline the range of actions that will be taken and the resources that will be made available to support the delivery of health and social care services over winter.

Freeman is also due to announce changes to how people access urgent care, ensuring they get the right care in the right place.

She is expected to say: “Every effort must be made to prepare NHS Scotland for the pressures it will face in the coming months, in the face of the ongoing challenge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The incredible commitment of our health and social care staff, as well as the unstinting support and perseverance of the Scottish people, has prevented the NHS from being overwhelmed in the face of the pandemic.

“Our overriding priority is to ensure that this continues to be the case.

“That means we need to ensure we do everything possible to maximise NHS Scotland capacity and resilience, to ensure that the health service this winter is able to provide the care and treatment people deserve and expect.”