OVERALL CONCLUSION
We remain confident that NHS 24 can recover from the set-backs of the past and can fulfil its role as an important service provider partner helping all 15 Health Boards to deliver a quality primary care service across Scotland - particularly in out-of-hours periods.
We have given NHS 24 (and Health Boards and SEHD) a number of challenges to meet - one in the immediate short term and others over the next year or two. Meeting some of those challenges will not be easy. Some of the most problematic issues have prevailed over most of the history of NHS 24 and cannot be resolved overnight.
Our clarion call to the Board of NHS 24 is, with the support of other Health Boards and SEHD, to be prepared to think radically; to look beyond its original design blueprint which no longer matches the needs of today; to assess what current demands require and to react, with NHS partners, accordingly. It should also ensure that future planning is in line with overall NHSScotland policy and strategy. And all the time, risks should be identified, assessed and managed accordingly.
We sincerely wish NHS 24 success along the way as it continues to play an important part in the delivery of quality primary care, particularly out-of-hours, across the whole of Scotland.