NHS Lanarkshire has been chosen to pilot a new “digital front door” app aimed at cutting waiting times across Scotland.
The new app will form a key part of First Minister John Swinney’s plans to ‘renew’ the NHS across the country.
“Over time, it will become an ever more central, ever more important access and managing point for care in Scotland,” he said.
Professor Jann Gardner, NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive, has welcomed the chance to trial the app across Lanarkshire.
She said: “NHS Lanarkshire is delighted to be at the forefront of delivering the National Digital Front Door app, which will play a key role in advancing our reform plans.
“This launch is an exciting step forward, broadening patient access to care and giving people greater control over their healthcare journey. Beginning the rollout here in Lanarkshire demonstrates our commitment to embracing technology for more efficient, effective services.
“We also welcome this additional funding and the opportunities it brings to further improve our performance and drive continued innovation across NHS Lanarkshire.”
The ‘digital first’ plans comes as Lanarkshire, and Scotland as a whole, Scotland struggles with high waiting times in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic, including in A&E, outpatient procedures and other hospital treatment – where thousands are languishing on waiting lists.
Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MSP Clare Adamson said: “I am particularly pleased that a new Scottish health and social care app will be rolled out starting in Lanarkshire. Embracing these technologies is an important step to modernising the service and giving patients more access and control over their care.
“The SNP is backing the NHS with record investment and a clear path for modernisation and renewal. That is a mission I believe that people in Motherwell and Wishaw will get behind.
“Improving patient experience and supporting health workers is of the utmost priority for the SNP in government. That is why we have announced record investment of £21 billion in frontline health and care services in the Scottish Budget.
“NHS Lanarkshire will see investment of £1.7 billion – representing an increase of £224 million to support these action plans.
There was also a cautious welcome on the plans for the app by Labour’s Central Scotland list MSP Monica Lennon who added: “It is right that the NHS modernises to meet the needs of patients.
“We are used to using apps in our everyday lives and many people feel frustrated that they can’t utilise digital technology to book NHS appointments or access information about their own healthcare.
“Lanarkshire, however, has a high level of poverty and not everyone is able to use apps or digital tools.
“Great care must be taken to avoid people being disadvantaged.”
However, Meghan Gallacher, from the Scottish Conservatives, said: “Plans for a digital first strategy has been in the works for years so patients will be sceptical that this will come to fruition.”
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