It will be easier for staff to book clinical rooms at the new centres thanks to a new booking system.

The new system will allow all staff to see at a glance what rooms are available and book them as required and cancel if no longer needed.

Graham Johnston, head of management services, said: “The improved system will give staff even greater flexibility with regards to the times they require a room meaning much more efficient use of them.

“Simplifying the booking system will also help reduce the occasions when a room is booked and then not used as it will be easier to cancel.

“The new system will ultimately help staff to improve the service they provide to patients.”

The system is one of a series of new ways of working which have been introduced to all new sites since 2010 and includes better planned storage space and open plan office areas.

Graham continued: “We appreciate that some staff may not be used to open plan areas, however, it’s been supported by trade unions and staff representatives and they have been introduced in sites such as the Buchanan Centre, Airdrie Community Health Centre and Kirklands Hospital where it’s worked perfectly fine.

“For those who do need some privacy on occasions, there are break-out spaces available.”

The local details of the open plan system have been developed with local staff at mobilisation meetings in preparation for moves to new sites and at local site meetings.

Staff who want more information on these or any other mobilisation matter should speak to their line manager or raise any issue at their monthly on-site meeting.