A NHS service in Hounslow which prevents people from unnecessarily being admitted to hospital has been shortlisted for two healthcare awards.
Referred to as the integrated community response service, provided by Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, it is has been nominated for the Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards, in two categories; value and improvement in specialist services and value and improvement in community health design.
The team behind delivering the integrated health and social care services aim to alleviate pressure on acute hospitals in Hounslow, and help patients to recover more effectively in the comfort of their own homes, instead of in hospital.
Frank Sims, chief executive of Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud that one of our services has received such fantastic recognition for their quality of care, innovation and outcomes they have been achieving.
“The team delivers a vital service for local people in Hounslow which alleviates the burden on local acute hospitals and the ambulance service through effective, joined-up working."
The healthcare team is made up of a GP, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, support staff, social workers, primary care mental health nurse and a handyman.
Last year, they launched a fast-track referral system with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) which allows paramedics to make telephone referrals to the team with an agreed two-hour response time, reducing the need to transport vulnerable patients to A&E by providing medical and therapeutic care and expertise to the patient in their own home.
The next stage of the competition involves a presentation in front of a judging panel in early June, before the winners are announced later in the year.
