NHS telephone team reduces admissions by 2,500 in a year

THOUSANDS of hospital admissions have been avoided thanks to a dedicated telephone scheme for patients with long-term conditions, prompting calls for the project to be introduced nationally.

The programme, run by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals, has saved the NHS £7million in five years by targeting patients with long-term health issues such as diabetes.

More than 100 medical staff work on the team, which sees patients treated over the phone for their ailments before a house visit, if one is required.

Dr Karen Kirkham, NHS England national clinical adviser for primary care, said: “It is innovative schemes like this that are showing how practical new ways of working can help patients live better lives and also deliver efficiencies.”

Ruth Williams, clinical directorate lead at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals, said the project – Integrated Care Services (icares) – relied on a combination of easy accessibility for patients, specialised health professionals and quick consultations.

“Patients who are registered with a GP in Sandwell can simply ring a dedicated number seven days a week and tell us about the problem, be it a cold, a cough or any other health issue,” she said. “The patient will then be assessed and referred to a suitable consultant, who will usually see them in their own home within three hours if urgent.”

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals claimed the scheme has reduced admissions by 2,500 a year because patients received early treatment for common illnesses in their own homes.

Mrs Williams said: “What we’ve done is make the system simpler: one phone number everyone can ring, and one team which works together and navigates the system for the patient.”