MONDAY 26 JUNE, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New patient administration system launches in Emergency Department

TrakCare, a new patient administration system, launched across NHS Tayside on the weekend of the 24 and 25 June. The Emergency Department (A&E) in Ninewells and Perth Royal Infirmary will move over to the new system on Tuesday, 27 June.

TrakCare is the national patient administration system and is used in eight other Health Boards in Scotland. It provides core patient administration and management functionality and will enable NHS Tayside to move towards an electronic patient record.

TrakCare will replace various systems across NHS Tayside, providing a single view of the patient record where formerly this was held in several places. This will improve the flow of patient information through the hospital care pathways, allowing those who provide care to access a richer picture of a patient’s current and past medical history, helping to improve patient safety, care and experience.

TrakCare was successfully launched across the organisation over the weekend of the 24 and 25 June. The A&E launch is taking place a few days later, the culmination of 18 months of work and preparation by colleagues in eHealth, the project team and staff across Tayside.

While TrakCare is being implemented, you may experience a very short delay in being processed at outpatient reception areas and at the A&E reception. Our reception staff appreciate your patience during this time and will be working to ensure you are seen as quickly as possible by our clinical teams.

Consultant in Emergency Medicine Dr Brodie Paterson is also taking the opportunity to remind the public to select the health service which best suits their needs, saving A&E for genuine emergencies.

Around one in 12 people who visit A&E could receive treatment more appropriately by accessing a different service. This can put extra pressure on staff when they may be needed for a real emergency. There are many alternatives to A&E and going directly to the person with the appropriate skills is important. This can help you to a quicker recovery and ensures that all NHS Tayside services are run efficiently.

Dr Paterson said, “At peak times and especially over weekend and holiday periods, A&E can be very busy. We need to make sure that we are able to see people quickly if they need emergency care. Members of the public have always recognised that the A&E is for those with genuine emergencies, however they are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed. This sometimes leads to them attending A&E only for us to have to explain that we are not the correct place to help. This is frustrating for them and diverts us from other patients.

“With some minor illnesses and injuries it is not always necessary to see a doctor or nurse. Helpful advice can be given by pharmacists and NHS 24. However, if you feel you need to see a doctor or nurse but your GP is closed please phone NHS 24 on 111. They can give advice and, if necessary, put you in contact with a GP or nurse in the out-of-hours service.”

Top tips to help you access the right treatment:

• When your GP surgery is closed, and you’re too ill to wait until it re-opens, you can access appropriate out-of-hours services (including a nurse or GP) through NHS 24 by calling 111

• Your local Primary Care Emergency Centre out-of-hours service works with NHS 24 to make sure that urgent medical advice and care is always available to you

• If you live in a rural area and have a minor illness like flu or earache or a cut, minor burn or sprain, turn to your Minor Injury/Illness Unit or NHS 24

• Your local pharmacist can provide a whole range of services including free advice, support and guidance on all your health problems. Community pharmacies are open at convenient times on Saturdays and Sundays in many locations

• Avoid a crisis, be prepared and buy essentials now. A pharmacist can advise you on a well-stocked medicine cabinet

• Find about your local health services and get health advice online at www.nhsinform.co.uk

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138