Mr Gray, who is also MSP for Airdrie & Shotts, recently visited the FNC+ hub in Bothwell to mark the launch of the Scottish Government’s Operational Improvement Plan.
Staff at NHS Lanarkshire’s Flow Navigation Centre Plus (FNC+Plus) have been praised by Health Secretary Neil Gray for their role in driving “meaningful, people-centred reform across the health and care system”.
Mr Gray, who is also MSP for Airdrie & Shotts, recently visited the FNC+ hub in Bothwell to mark the launch of the Scottish Government’s Operational Improvement Plan, which sets out how the NHS will improve access to treatment, reduce waiting times and shift the balance of care from hospitals to communities.
Speaking from Kirklands Hospital, Mr Gray described the work of NHS Lanarkshire teams as exemplary – and said the efforts being made across the organisation were providing “real hope” at a time of national challenge.
“I’m so grateful to the staff here at NHS Lanarkshire for the work that’s being done to make sure we’re meeting the needs of the people,” said Mr Gray.
“I recognise this is a really challenging time – everyone is under a huge amount of pressure – but what I saw in the Flow Navigation Centre, and what I’ve seen in our hospitals, GP practices, and across health and social care services here in Lanarkshire, is hope.
“Hope that we can improve the system. Hope that we can deliver faster treatment. And that’s because of the efforts being made by our staff.
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“I know it means more work, and having to push a bit harder, but I believe we’re going to deliver something more sustainable – something that meets the needs of our patients. And I know we’re all invested in doing just that.”
FNC+Plus is operating from a state-of-the-art control centre at NHS Lanarkshire HQ.
Staffed by nurses, emergency consultants, Scottish Ambulance Service colleagues and support personnel, the service draws on decades of combined experience to deliver a 24/7 response for patients, ensuring they get the right care in the right place – often at or closer to home.
Already, thousands of patients have benefited from the service.
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The centre’s team is focused on reducing unnecessary hospital attendances, shortening stays, and offering faster, safer routes to treatment – helping to improve system flow while improving outcomes.
FNC is part of the Interface Directorate which aims to support coordinated, advanced, and timely care to patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
“This is about more than systems – it’s about people,” said Martin Hill , NHS Lanarkshire board chair.
“Our staff are not only navigating the challenges – they are embracing the opportunity to innovate, improve, and reimagine what high-quality, responsive care looks like.
“Their professionalism, compassion, and energy are truly inspiring.”
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Mr Gray’s visit comes as NHS Lanarkshire continues to roll out a series of ambitious reforms designed to shift the balance of care, reduce delays, and improve experiences for patients and staff alike. FNC+ and the recently announced eTriage is at the heart of this work, symbolising the wider shift towards joined-up, community-focused care powered by data, teamwork and clinical leadership.
“This is just the beginning,” said Colin Lauder, interim chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire.
“We see FNC+ as the foothills of a truly transformative journey – one that is being built on the dedication and insight of our staff, and the trust our communities place in us.”
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