Patient feedback:
‘I suffer from severe migraines and headaches, and previously, I was put on a waiting list for ages before eventually seeing a specialist who assessed my condition and then just sent me back to my GP with a treatment plan. I had to take time off work and organise childcare for the appointments. The weeks of waiting to see the specialist meant that, on several occasions, I also couldn’t work because of the pain.
‘It’s amazing that I’m finally able to be seen and treated locally! I recently had a bad spell of migraine attacks, and I was worried, so I saw my GP. They referred me to a specialist and called me back within 48 hours and provided me with an updated treatment plan devised by the specialist. I didn’t need to take time off work or sort out childcare, and my condition has improved no end already!’
Wouldn’t it be great if that was real patient feedback? With the NHS in its current position, the chances of reaching that level of patient satisfaction seem low.
Could community services be the solution we’ve all been waiting for?
It’s well known that giving GPs tools such as immediate access to remote consultant-led advice enables more patients to be managed in primary care settings and leads to fewer unnecessary referrals. So, can’t the same be true when it comes to delivering services in the community? It can, and it is.
When identifying services that can be delivered in a community setting, it is also important to understand how we can support existing primary care services with detailed management plans as well as improved knowledge and enhanced training.
By delivering consultant-led services in the community, NHS areas can open up new referral pathways for patients who are already being effectively triaged without adding to the existing burdens faced by hospitals across the country. This is not revolutionary for most specialties; community services are routine in the NHS and one of the commitments outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan and NHS priorities and operational planning guidance for 2024/25.
But how can we expect community services to be delivered consistently and efficiently given the ongoing challenges faced by the NHS across the UK, such as growing elective care waiting lists, increased workforce shortages, and doctor strikes, without forgetting the record demand on A&E/EDs?
That’s where Consultant Connect can help. As the most used Enhanced Advice & Guidance service and the largest remote triage provider across the NHS in the UK, we have the clinical capacity, modern technology and over eight years of experience in delivering services in partnership with NHS commissioners and their local primary, secondary and community care teams.
A partnership approach
By working with GP Federations, existing local providers, and commissioners, we establish community services that:
- deliver patient-centred care
- ensure equality of access
- continuously improve quality and safety
We utilise existing primary care facilities, which ensures ease of access and familiarity as well as excellent geographical coverage.
Consultant-led capacity
Out-of-area NHS consultants from our National Consultant Network (NCN) are brought in to remotely triage referrals coming into the pathway. The NCN consultants have a national specialty transformation background and are highly experienced in writing comprehensive management plans at the point of triage. This means patients signposted back to primary care get the care they need faster, reducing the burden of referrals on local providers (e.g., NHS Trusts), and supporting admission avoidance.
We’ve already designed community services, including:
- ENT
- Dermatology
- Gynaecology
- A first-of-its-kind community neurology pathway
What to find out how it works?
Get in touch by emailing info@consultantconnect.org.uk or calling us at 01865 261 467.
