Health chiefs have hailed the success of a virtual A&E service which helps patients avoid unnecessary trips to hospital.

People across West Dunbartonshire are able to get urgent telephone and video consultations through the service, operated by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).

This gives them direct access to clinicians at the health board’s Flow Navigation Centre (FNC), without having to physically attend A&E.

More than 25,000 patients across the NHSGGC area have now benefited from the virtual service, which can be reached by calling 111 and is available from 10am until 10pm every day.

The FNC team provides advice on the likes of minor head injuries, back pain and burns, as well as accidental overdoses and early pregnancy problems.

Around one-third of patients who speak to the FNC team avoid a physical trip to an A&E or minor injuries unit (MIU) after their consultation, while others receive a scheduled arrival time at a MIU, which helps minimise any waiting time at hospital.

The remainder are either referred directly through to specialist services for their condition, bypassing A&E altogether, or are signposted to a more appropriate service, which might include a pharmacy or GP.

Pauline Kerray, lead advanced nurse practitioner at the FNC, said: “It’s no secret our A&Es are extremely busy right now.

“Our FNC is here to provide patients with another way to access urgent treatment without first making a physical trip to a busy hospital. They’ll get to speak to a clinician faster and, if required, we can refer them onto specialist pathways so they get the right type of care for their requirements.

“We urge anyone who thinks they need to attend A&E to look at using the virtual A&E as a first port of call, unless it’s very urgent or life-threatening.

“You’ll most likely be seen faster and get the right type of care for your needs.”

Scott Davidson, NHSGGC deputy medical director for acute services, added: “While the FNC is not a silver bullet, nor will it be suitable for everyone, it provides another way to speak to an emergency clinician.

“For many people, this will result in the same level of treatment without having to travel any distance – potentially helping save money on taxis, cars and public transport.

“We expect it will also start easing pressure on our physical A&Es as the public becomes more familiar with the service and makes the choice to use it first, ahead of making a trip to hospital.”