Mixed picture for vanguard programme

Discussions over the impact of models revealed a mixed picture of the vanguard programme during a special BMA event in Newcastle on 11 May.   Sunderland clinical lead and CCG (clinical commissioning group) executive Dr Fadi Khalil spoke about how the MCP (multispecialty community provider) vanguard in his area had taken a three-pronged approach to tackling the pressures facing primary care.   Changes include a recovery-at-home service to help patients recuperate out of hospital, community integrated teams for those with complex needs and an enhanced approach to primary care to encourage and explore further integration.   He said the positive effects of the vanguard were already becoming apparent, with community crisis admissions — where vulnerable patients were admitted simply because there was no one to care for them — no longer a phenomenon.   Shared information He said: ‘That story is no longer there in Sunderland. 'There is a place to ring to get re-ablement teams quickly, to get social services involved within hours to get somebody seen, either for a nursing or social care element.’   He added that there was already widespread information sharing between general practice and community health services via a dedicated web community service.   Gateshead GP Bill Westwood said the vanguard in his area, which aims to provide enhanced health in care homes, said there was a transformation team working on increasing the skill...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news