This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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NHS Grampian annual review
07/08/2006
The annual review of NHS Grampian is scheduled to take place today.
The annual reviews of health boards cover key areas such as: activity and efficiency, waiting times, regional planning, public involvement, finance and future plans.
Health Minister Andy Kerr will visit a care unit at the City Hospital in Aberdeen ahead of the board's review.
The Links Unit provides nursing care and rehabilitation support for non-acute patients. The Minister will receive a tour of the unit and meet patients and staff.
Speaking in advance of his visit, Mr Kerr said:
"When we think of hospitals, we tend to think of services like A&E or surgery. But Scotland's hospitals are providing much more than that.
"The Links Unit is one such example. Instead of clogging up acute beds, it provides a more appropriate setting for the care of patients who are either on the road to recovery or managing conditions - in turn reducing pressure on acute services.
"Units like this can make all the difference to patients, particularly the elderly who may need help to regain their independence after a period of illness.
"The unit also reflects new ways of working in the NHS. I know how capable our nursing staff are, and that's why extended learning and development has meant this facility is nurse managed.
"The Links Unit is already an award winner, and I'm sure many more people in Grampian will benefit from the type of care it provides."
On the NHS Grampian Annual Review, Mr Kerr said:
"But as well as highlighting success, and giving credit where credit is due, I also want to use these Annual Reviews to scrutinise local performance, challenge where necessary and drive forward further improvement.
"I believe that NHS Grampian can build on its previous success and further improve services and reduce waiting times for patients in their area.
"I want to see an NHS which is better, quicker, closer and safer. These reviews will help us deliver that."
The timetable for health board annual reviews is:
- June 5 - NHS Shetland
- June 12 - NHS Dumfries & Galloway
- June 20 - Scottish Ambulance Service
- July 25 - NHS Lothian
- July 27 - NHS Ayrshire & Arran
- July 31 - NHS Orkney
- August 1 - NHS Lanarkshire
- August 7 - NHS Grampian
- August 8 - NHS Highland
- August 9 - NHS National Services Scotland
- August 10 - NHS Forth Valley
- August 14 - NHS Fife
- August 16 - NHS National Education Scotland
- August 22- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- August 24 - NHS 24
- August 28 - NHS Golden Jubilee hospital
- August 29 - NHS Borders
- August 30 - State Hospital
- August 31 - NHS Health Scotland
- September 4 - NHS Tayside
- September 5 - NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
- September 11 - NHS Western Isles