GP visits to care homes reduce hospital admissions by nearly 40%

GP visits to care homes reduce hospital admissions by nearly 40% A new scheme piloted in four nursing homes in east London could save the NHS £1,000 a patient.

When Mary Mills had a mini stroke and broke her hip and leg, following two successive bad falls last year, she decided to move into a nursing home. Since November, Mills, 74, has been resident at Willows Care Home in Romford, east London. Due to her ongoing health needs, Mills needs regular appointments with her GP, Dr Muna Sheikh. But she does not have to be taken to the surgery or wait weeks to be seen.

Willows is one of four nursing homes across the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge taking part in a £400,000 pilot scheme. Jointly funded by the prime minister’s challenge fund (which awarded £50m to 20 pilot projects in England to improve access to general practice) and the local clinical commissioning groups, Health 1000 is a dedicated primary care practice providing 431 residents of the homes with 8am to 8pm, seven-days-a-week GP support, as well as training and advice for staff and help from a consultant geriatrician.

This is about the patient. It’s about what the patient needs in the moment you see them. It’s common sense Continue reading... The Guardian