eTriage involves the patient self-registering when they arrive in an Emergency Department. It supports clinicians by gathering key patient information at the point of arrival, allowing for faster assessment and prioritisation of care. This system does not replace staff-led triage but helps to ensure patients get the right care as quickly as possible.
The data, overseen by clinicians, also provides an additional and continuous ‘safety lens' on the waiting room.
Launching in spring 2025, eTriage will first go live at University Hospital Monklands, followed by a phased rollout to University Hospital Wishaw and University Hospital Hairmyres. This marks the first implementation of its kind in Scotland, following on from successful implementation in several NHS trusts in England and Wales.
Claire Ritchie, interim director of NHS Lanarkshire's Interface Directorate, said: ‘The introduction of eTriage is a proactive step to enhance patient experience, prioritising those in most urgent need while minimising unnecessary delays.
‘Importantly, this system will support and enhance our existing processes — not replace them — ensuring that emergency care teams have better visibility and coordination.'
eTriage provides an additional option that streamlines the process by capturing key information at the outset — information normally gathered at reception and then triage — so clinicians have what they need from the moment the patient checks in.
Ritchie added: ‘By providing a continuous ‘safety lens' on the waiting room, eTriage ensures critical cases are identified instantly, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making.
‘Similar systems have been successfully implemented in England and Wales, with clear improvements in patient flow, safety and clinical oversight.'
To ensure a smooth transition, rigorous testing, staff training, and stakeholder engagement — including with patient representatives — is underway, with communications to inform the wider public.
The first kiosks are expected to be operational at Monklands by late April.
