Reductions in A&E admissions lead to extension of clinical hubs trial in Kent

Two clinical coordination hubs set up as trials by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, (SECAmb), in partnership with NHS Trusts in Kent, have been extended having delivered positive early results.

The hubs, established in Autumn last year, involve multi-discipline teams from across the Kent healthcare system joining SECAmb paramedic practitioners to ensure 999 calls are receiving the most appropriate response.

By reviewing appropriate 999 calls, the hubs are helping to reduce pressure on A&E by guiding patients to the most appropriate service and supporting ambulance crews at the scene of an incident.

Over a three month period, the hubs trial has seen the teams make over 3000 contacts with crews. As a result of this approach, hundreds of people who may have been taken to A&E have either been discharged at the scene or avoided being taken to A&E as the hubs have arranged alternative care pathways for them.

“The first three months the hub has been in operation have been extremely encouraging. The results have shown that by having a multi-discipline approach to reviewing 999 calls, we can improve the response and ultimately the care we provide the local community.

“We have also seen a significant improvement in work satisfaction from colleagues as they finding they are more often being sent to emergencies where they can make a difference and help patients with the support of shared decision making.”

Nakai Redman, SECAmb Operations Manager for Ashford.

SECAmb Practice Development Lead and the Trust’s lead at the Paddock Wood hub, Sean Edwards added that the hub is a true collaboration between acute and community services that is directly benefitting patients, ensuring they can be seen in the right place, first time for their condition, and reducing unnecessary ED attendances. He also said that ambulance crews are benefitting from having access to senior clinicians to help with complex decision making.