Posted on: 22 June 2022
CNWL’s Community Services have performed extremely well according to latest data from NHS England about Urgent Community Response services; the target is to reach at least 70 per cent of patients referred within two hours.
CNWL Services (in North Central and North West London, and Milton Keynes) reached 93% in April.
Rapid Response supports people who do not wish to go into hospital but need a high level of care in the community, which helps acute hospital services too.
Katy Millard, CNWL’s Community Services Director in London said, “We are truly proud of, and grateful to, our staff in Rapid Response teams. They have seen a significant increase in referrals, which are often people with complex health needs, with ‘virtual ward’ style working and some patients requiring multiple visits in a day.”
North West London ICS reported 6,820 Urgent Care Response contacts in April – the most of any ICS.
John Culley, CNWL’s Director for Community Services in Milton Keynes adds, “our teams are increasing capacity by developing new pathways, linking in with the Ambulance Service and local Technology Enabled Care (pendent alarm) services. Well done to the staff involved and our partners who make this a success.”
The HSJ explain, “The aim of the urgent community response services ... is to provide care for people in their own homes, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions. Care can include prescribing and reviewing medication, access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and help with nutrition and hydration. Because of the pressure on ambulance services, particular efforts have been made this year to increase referrals from ambulance and 111 services.”