NHS Lanarkshire to introduce digital triaging to streamline care
NHS Lanarkshire is to launch a digital triage system to allow for faster assessment and prioritisation of care.
The health board will be the first in Scotland to use eTriage, following on from successful implementations south of the border.
From next month, patients will use the system to self-register on arrival to emergency departments. The data gathered will act as a continuous “safety lens” on the waiting room and help ensure patients get the right care as soon as possible.
Claire Ritchie, interim director of NHS Lanarkshire’s interface directorate, said: “The introduction of eTriage is a proactive step to enhance patient experience, prioritising those in most urgent need while minimising unnecessary delays.
“Importantly, this system will support and enhance our existing processes — not replace them — ensuring that emergency care teams have better visibility and coordination.”
By gathering key information from the outset, clinicians will “ensure critical cases are identified instantly, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making”, Ritchie added.
The first kiosks are expected to be operational at University Hospital Monklands, which aims to become Scotland’s first fully digital hospital by 2031.
This will be followed by a phased rollout to University Hospital Wishaw and University Hospital Hairmyres.
Holyrood Newsletters
Holyrood provides comprehensive coverage of Scottish politics, offering award-winning reporting and analysis: Subscribe