The Scottish Government has announced its winter health plan aimed at easing hospital pressures.

The plan includes Hospital at Home services, a public awareness campaign and targeted investment to reduce waiting lists.

Launching the new national winter health plan,  Health Secretary Angela Constance said that a collective effort is required in the months ahead to ease pressures on the NHS.

Speaking to the Scottish Parliament, Constance set out several actions to provide guidance to health and social care systems ahead of winter. These include an increased focus on community care, with over 10,000 patients benefiting from an expansion of Hospital at Home service and a Home-First approach to healthcare.

A new public awareness campaign will launch at the end of October, to help people access the right care, in the right place, at the right time and there will be renewed calls for eligible patients to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses.

Other actions include a winter-specific planned care funding from the £90 million announced earlier this year to reduce waiting lists for operations and procedures and further implementation of a new national plan to improve the flow of patients through hospital and free up bed capacity.

Constance said: “A collective effort will be critical in the months ahead as we look to support our NHS through the winter. There is a role for everyone in Scotland to play.

“Seasonal illnesses, including flu, are already beginning to circulate, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination when invited. Last winter, almost 5,000 adults and 1,700 children in Scotland were hospitalised as a result of flu. Getting vaccinated protects you and those around you.

“It’s also important people know how and where to access care. Attendances at A&E remain extremely high, and many people could be treated more appropriately in services closer to home.

“A&E should be used for emergencies. Choosing the right service can help people receive advice and treatment more quickly while ensuring emergency care remains available for those who need it most."