Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design: the framework for NHS Scotland

Assumptions for Safe and Effective Mobilisation

• The mobilisation of NHS services will be based on modelling, national guidance and professional advice. Mobilisation also depends on local circumstances i.e. if one area of the country show signs of infection rates rising, we need flexibility to reduce service delivery if required.
• The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has reduced and ICU cases fallen, therefore increasing physical capacity within the healthcare system, including staff; to allow a safe, phased introduction of elective/planned care and manage the unscheduled care pathways optimally as COVID-19 activity reduces.

Planning must ensure that:

• Surge capacity for COVID-19 patients is maintained to ensure resilience in the system to respond.
• Patient and staff safety are ensured by appropriate streaming of COVID-19 and non-COVID pathways across the health and social care support system.
• We retain capacity to deliver health components of Test and Protect and support in the care home sector.
• Strict infection control measures are in place.
• COVID-19 screening and testing policies are implemented in line with national guidance.
• Inter-dependencies are factored in, including transport.
• High quality care and support is delivered, including patient experience.
• New and effective ways of working are maintained and built upon.
• The impact of physical distancing measures across the health and care sector on capacity are continually assessed and mitigated.

NHS mobilisation plans will:

• Manage the backlog of planned care (outpatient and inpatient waiting lists) to minimise harm;
• Ensure unmet demand is managed and ensure safety, e.g. referrals and community based services;
• Manage the NON-COVID and COVID-19 unscheduled care demand, recognising that ED attendances and acute hospital admissions are increasing.