Doctor will see you now... by phone or video

VIRTUAL appointments will be the norm for 70 per cent of outpatients if health bosses meet a new target.

Hospital and health chiefs want to see the majority of outpatient appointments, including initial assessments and follow-ups, take place via video or phone call by the end of this year.

The target is one on a list of 10 key expectations drawn up to build on adaptations made to keep services up and running during the pandemic.

Bosses said that they will ensure there is an alternative for those who cannot access virtual appointments.

In a report that went before University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust’s board, director of strategy Mark Wightman outlined the plans.

He said: “In recent weeks, as partners in the Leicestershire and Rutland health and social care system have turned our collective attention to restoration and recovery from the first pandemic peak, there has been a strong desire that the innovation, improvement and lessons learned across the system are captured and used for the longer-term benefit of patients, public, staff and our organisations.

“It is important to note that from the outset system colleagues have been keen to ensure the expectations are meaningful, that is to say, more than just wellintentioned

Safety first approach: Which will see the system “reduce infection hazard for patients and staff”.

nn“Hence we have worked hard with partners to ascribe specific, measurable, attainable and timely actions to each high-level expectation.”

The list was drawn up by the hopes

Equitable care for all: Focusing on health inequalities and the impact of Covid-19 on black, Asian and and

naspirations.

System Strategic Recovery Group, a team made up of senior representatives from each organisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with clinical staff.

The board were to discuss the targets as well as providing an update on cases. minority ethnic communities.

Involve our patients and public: An aim to “improve patient involvement”.

Have a virtual by default approach: Putting remote consultations at the front end of all care.

Arrange care in local settings: Promoting a shift away from hospitals.

Provide excellent care: A push to standardise clinical care.

Enhanced care in the community: Includes an aim to “improve offer to care homes”.

Have an enabling culture: Which will see the system develop opportunities for staff.

Drive technology, innovation and sustainability: Including a plan to secure the service’s finances.

Work as one system with workforce: Which states that services will form an integrated care system by March.

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