The First Minister has opened a new contact centre in Hillington as part of NHS 24’s birthday celebrations.
The life-saving service turns 20 this month and is a vital tool for the emergency services, offering telephone triage via its 111 number.
Now a new centre will allow more staff to meet the needs of people across Scotland.
Marking the occasion, Nicola Sturgeon said: “NHS 24 has been a critical part of our NHS in Scotland for many years.
“It is fantastic to see the way the service continues to develop and adapt to the changing needs of the population.
“From the expanded 111 service available 24 hours a day seven days a week, to a key role in responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 and now dedicated mental health support through the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space, it has become an indispensable part of our health service.
“The committed and professional staff providing these services work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure that the public always have access to the right information and support as quickly and as easily as possible.
“It is a pleasure to open the new Hillington centre and to be given the opportunity to put on record my thanks to everyone who has played a part in NHS 24’s journey over the past 20 years.”
NHS 24 took its first call at 2.10pm on May 8, 2002 at its Riverside Contact Centre in Aberdeen, which took its 27 millionth call on March 26 this year.
The service expanded quickly, with an East contact centre opened in South Queensferry in 2003. Those centres will now be supported by the new facility in Hillington.
NHS 24’s chief executive, Jim Miller, says anniversary marked a “significant moment” in the organisations history, with changes and improvements afoot.
He added: “As we slowly emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, NHS 24 is taking the opportunity to look at its services, technology and workforce to ensure we continue to meet the needs of people across Scotland.
“The progress we have made in the past two decades is really impressive and we are determined to continue to work collaboratively with colleagues from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and across the health and social care system to make sure people get the right care in the right place.”
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