NHS Lanarkshire is preparing to use the eTriage digital check-in and triage system for patients in its emergency departments.
It said it will first deploy the system at University Hospital Monklands during the spring, and follow with a phased roll out to University Hospital Wishaw and University Hospital Hairmyres.
This is the first implementation of the system in Scotland following a number of deployments in England and Wales.
It works by the patient submitting key information in response to questions – based on the Manchester Triage System – on a screen in a kiosk when they arrive at the department. This enables staff to make assessments and priorities who is seen first.
NHS Lanarkshire said this does not replace staff-led triage but ensures patients get the right care as quickly as possible, and that high risk patients are flagged immediately for rapid assessment.
The data, overseen by clinicians, also provides an additional ‘safety lens’ on the waiting room.
Better patient experience
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.”
A programme of testing, staff training and stakeholder engagement is underway at NHS Lanarkshire and the first kiosks are expected to be operational at Monklands Hospital by late April.
eTriage is currently live in eight NHS emergency departments or urgent treatment centres including Homerton, St Richard’s Hospital and Chichester Hospital, and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup.
There are also with plans to go live at 10 further sites across five client organisations including University Hospital Birmingham and Aneurin Bevan Health Board.
