£1m to boost ambulance service and ease pressure on A&E over winter

The Scottish Government is allocating almost £1 million to reduce pressure on A&E departments this winter.

The Scottish Ambulance Service will receive £995,000 to increase staffing for a clinical hub model, which will use GPs to triage patients as calls come in to prevent unnecessary ambulance dispatches.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said improving patient care over the winter months is “a priority”.

He said: “This funding will see patients treated faster in the setting which is appropriate for them.

“The measures being taken by the Scottish Ambulance Service will help cut unnecessary ambulance dispatches and improve patient outcomes and experiences through earlier clinical intervention.

“Our winter preparations have also seen a £20 million investment for health board initiatives to increase social care capacity and relieve pressure on acute services.

“As the temperature drops, we continue to urge those eligible for the flu vaccine to take up the offer.

“As always I thank all our dedicated health and social care staff who continue to work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it.”

The system was trialled over a weekend in September and the Government estimates it could save 12,000 ambulance journeys over winter.

The system is also estimated to prevent an additional 4,500 patients being taken to emergency departments.

The funding will enable the expansion of patient transport hubs in areas where pressures are greatest.