CARE NAVIGATION PATHWAYS

In response to a national shortage of GP’s and the backlog caused by the COVID crisis, the Scottish Government has announced significant changes to the way medical practices must work. From now on, GP’s are no longer to be the first point of contact for many health issues. Various tasks previously performed by GP’s or their staff will now be undertaken by Health Board staff either in the surgery or in local Centres called Hubs. This will enable GP’s to concentrate on more complex problems and relieve the pressure on hospitals.

All receptionists have received extra training by the GP’s to enable them to help you navigate the new system. Confidentiality remains paramount but you will need to be asked a few basic questions about your reason for calling in order to ensure that you are seen as soon as possible by the team member best able to help. This is called triage. You will then be offered a face-to-face or telephone consultation as clinically appropriate. There is no need to divulge highly personal/embarrassing information to the receptionist- just enough information for them to point you to the correct professional to meet your expectations.

A document copy of the above is here:

Care Navigation Pathways

Further information on NHS Services in other languages can be found at:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/translations/

Self knowledge is also an important part of knowing what type of health care professional you need to see. Or indeed if you need to see one at all. This is particularly difficult for parents, as gauging the severity of a child's illness can be difficult. The below document offers some useful advice about dealing with a child's illness and whether a GP or other healthcare appointment is neccesary.

Common child ailments and recovery