A&E patients will now be assessed on arrival

4:45pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

NEW arrangements for the accident and emergency department at Princess Alexandra Hospital and the nearby Walk-in-Centre have been introduced.

During a three-month pilot, an experienced GP or nurse will meet people at the A&E entrance to assess and direct patients, according to their condition, to the most appropriate place to receive their care and treatment.

For patients with a minor injury or illness this will be to the Walk-in-Centre where a team of healthcare professionals including a GP will see them, while those who require hospital care will be directed through to the A&E department Directing people to the most appropriate place to receive care should improve the quality of services, avoid unnecessary delay and enhance the overall patient experience.

West Essex Primary Care Trust, which runs the Walk-in-Centre, has been instrumental in introducing the changes alongside Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Harlow Practice Based Commissioning Group.

Harlow GP Rob Gerlis, who is also chairman of the practice based commissioning group, said: “The new arrangements mean patients will receive care in the right place, saving time and giving them a better NHS experience. It also means other people needing care will be seen in the right place more quickly.”

The changes are part of a wider project to refurbish the A&E department and move the assessment and treatment of minor injuries to the Walk-in-Centre.

Jim McLeish, associate director of emergency care at the hospital, said: “In the longer term, we plan to merge A&E and the Walk-in-Centre in refurbished premises so patients will enjoy a seamless service under one roof.

“We’re keen to promote the effective use of emergency healthcare so we see this as a step in doing that.”

Liz McGranahan, Harlow locality director with West Essex Primary Care Trust, said the changes represented a significant step forward.

“As well as being better for patients, the changes will mean a much better use of valuable NHS resources including NHS staff in hospital and in the community.”

The changes, which follow extensive consultation, will be reviewed following the pilot and refined on the basis of patient feedback.

The service operates from 8am to 10pm seven days a week.