Martin Cheyne, Chair NHS24

On 4 July 2023, we were treated to an excellent presentation by Martin Cheyne, Chair of NHS24.

Dr Martin Cheyne retired after working with ICI for over 30 years, 20 which were overseas in various countries.  Since retiring he has had a number of voluntary positions including Chair of Court at Glasgow Caledonian University, Trustee of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland and Chair of Ayrshire Council on Alcohol. He was Chair of NHS Ayrshire & Arran for 8 years until December 2019.  His main interests are family and golf.

Martin explained the changing role of NHS24, outlining the different areas in which it is involved. Most people associate NHS24 with the 111 telephone line, which provides urgent care triage when you need A&E, but it’s not life-threatening. But there is a great deal more that NHS24 does, including a service called Breathing Space, which anyone can call if they are feelng low or depressed.

Martin encouraged everyone to download the NHS 24 Online app. He explained this will become much more important in the next five years, with many services available including making appointments with your GP, accessing test results and general help.

Retired GP Dr Neil Beattie gave a glowing vote of thanks, saying we are all indebted to people like Martin for leading the way in Scottish healthcare.