A new electronic patient system has been launched across Tayside to help make the region's health services more efficient.

TrakCare will provide a single view of patient records, which were previously held in several places.

Health officials say the move will allow care providers to gain a richer picture of a patient's current and past medical history, helping to improve patient safety, care and experience.

Part of the plan is set to help patients at A&E units throughout the region. Dr Brodie Paterson has reminded people to only use A&E services for emergencies.

She said: "Members of the public have always recognised that the A&E is for those with genuine emergencies; however they are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed.

"This sometimes leads to them attending A&E only for us to have to explain that we are not the correct place to help. This is frustrating for them and diverts us from other patients."