Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognised the need to support alternative working patterns. As a result of COVID-19 we have accelerated and continue to expand options for remote ways of working and online consultations. Increasingly our staff might not be based at a physical NHS site, and citizens will not always attend in person.

Remote Practice provides the opportunity for clinicians and citizens to meet via digital or online methods when appropriate, reducing travel time, infection risk and delays. This can include:

• Face to face video consultations
• Asynchronous methods such as an Asthma check-up questionnaire sent via a Mobile phone text message
• Remote monitoring, where clinicians can review clinical information without the patient having to leave their home.

Remote Practice will not be suitable for every individual or situation, but there are opportunities to expand these services and experience has shown that many patients prefer the flexibility and convenience this approach offers.

Blended working: enabling new ways of working

What do we mean by ‘blended working’? A digital-first approach that enables staff, teams and services to determine how, when and where they work in order to best deliver high quality services. In other words, a combination of working in traditional NHS locations and working from home.

Experience during the pandemic has shown the effectiveness of blended working, including the potential to reduce office space costs, reduce the spread of infection and improve staff wellbeing.

We will continue to support blended working where appropriate by:

• Supporting staff to work in home and/ or office-based environments
• Providing tools and capabilities for effective communication, collaboration and performance management

Consideration of future office space requirements to enable new working patterns, as part of NHSGGC developing Infrastructure Investment Strategy