DHU has answered the call for support by increasing capacity at the Merlyn Vaz Urgent Treatment Centre to help reduce system challenges.
Significant pressures are being experienced in regional emergency departments and primary care services that has resulted in high demand for services.
DHU have worked closely with the LLR ICB to develop an interim solution to increase capacity at Merlyn Vaz UTC and help strengthen the local approach to patient redirection. Additional appointments have been put in place for staff within the emergency department to book appointments for patients who present there with minor conditions, who would be better treated in a lower acuity setting. This forms part of a local initiative called Right Care, Right Place which aims to ensure every patient receives the right level of care, from the right health professional, in the right part of the NHS, first time.
This is another great example of how DHU supports the wider system to ensure patients across the region can access the urgent care they need within their community as part of efforts to support the wider NHS 10-year plan of providing alternatives for patients. These changes will also support our regional winter planning.
Helping to reduce pressure
Reiss Bond is DHU’s Deputy Director of UEC UTCs, he said: “We are proud to be able to support patients and the wider healthcare system through extended provision of our already excellent services.
“The expansion has allowed the introduction of further enhanced diagnostics such as ECG and point of care blood testing. This will ensure patients receive the best care and treatment during their time with us. These extended capabilities will also support in reducing pressures on local Emergency Departments, to ensure they can continue to provide emergency care to the sickest patients.
“This would not have been possible without the extraordinary hard work of our clinical and operational team members and the UTC and Primary care leadership teams, who has worked hard to evolve the current limited workspace within Merlyn Vaz, to allow this essential service to go live.
“It will no doubt be a challenging winter. But I am pleased that DHU can play a pivotal role in maintaining patient safety for the communities we service.”