The Scottish government has unveiled a five-year plan to shift more care to homes and communities, reduce hospital delays and eradicate corridor care.
The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan 2026-2031 also aims to create one connected system for care and ensure that hospitals focus on urgent and specialist care.
The government plans to usher in a new "Community First" approach to strengthen local multidisciplinary services and shift more care into communities, with emphasis on prevention.
"Health, social care, wider public services and the third sector will work together more effectively through local teams, making it easier for people to access high-quality support and care when and where they need it," the plan document stated.
Coordinated care
The government wants to strengthen links with housing, welfare and other community services to provide a more joined-up support to people.
To ensure high quality care at people's homes, the government plans to expand services such as Hospital at Home, virtual care, online and phone consultations, remote monitoring and care at home services.
The GP Practice, supported by a multidisciplinary team, will coordinate people's care and help them navigate services.
"Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening continuity for people with complex needs, including those with mental health conditions, dementia, frailty or those approaching the end of life."
The government will improve coordination between community, hospital and urgent care services.
Healthcare app
Scotland’s new health and care app MyCare.scot will be the online front door to health and care services, providing patients easier access to appointments, information and support while continuing to provide telephone and face-to-face access for those who need it.
Hospital care
Hospitals will be reserved for life-threatening emergencies and highly specialised treatments.
The government will improve patient flow through acute hospitals by strengthening same-day emergency care, assessment pathways, operational management and use of real-time data.
"Corridor care is unacceptable and we are clear it should be eradicated. Recognising that this is a complex issue with no single solution, the broad range of actions outlined in this plan will work collectively to improve flow, reduce pressures across the system, to ensure you receive safer, more dignified care."
Discharge planning will begin on day one of a hospital stay. Through the Discharge Without Delay approach, health and social care teams will work together to ensure you can return home, or move to the most appropriate setting, as soon as your treatment is complete.
