Scotland sets out five-year plan to shift more NHS care into communities
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The Scottish Government has published a five-year plan to change how people move through health and care services in Scotland.
The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan 2026 to 2031 sets out a move towards one connected system, with more care delivered in homes and communities and hospitals focused on emergency, life-threatening and specialist care.
The plan includes an enhanced urgent care triage system, supported by new Integrated Navigation Centres delivered jointly by NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Health Boards.
It also includes more same-day care, so that more people can receive tests and specialist assessments without staying in hospital overnight.
For people admitted to hospital, the plan says patients should receive a planned discharge date on their first day, with most leaving within three days where clinically safe to do so.
The plan also includes work to remove barriers to weekend discharge, expand Hospital at Home services, and introduce the Discharge Without Delay approach across all health boards this winter.
The Scottish Government says the aim is to make it easier for people to access the right care at the right time, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, improve hospital flow and support people to return home safely with the right care in place.
The broader relevance
Health and care systems can be difficult to navigate, especially when someone is unwell, waiting for assessment, trying to avoid an unnecessary hospital visit, or preparing to leave hospital.
A clearer route into care may help people reach the right service sooner, while more care closer to home may reduce the need for some hospital admissions.
The discharge element is also important. Leaving hospital safely depends on planning, communication and support beyond the ward.
For patients, families and carers, the practical detail matters: who responds first, how quickly assessment happens, what care is available at home, and whether discharge is planned safely.
The plan applies to Scotland.