South Tees improves care for patients that have fallen

Previously the response to all 999 calls made in respect of people who had a fall was to send an ambulance. Now, under strict protocols, if the patient is in a safe home environment, with a carer or relative present, and there is no indication that the patient needs to go to hospital, the call is referred to the 24-hour fast response hospital nursing team for assessment.

Clinical manager Pam McIvor said: “An analysis of 999 calls made in Hambleton and Richmondshire to the ambulance service showed a relatively high number from people who had fallen but did not need to be taken to hospital for treatment.

“As we operate a 24-hour service, it seemed a logical step for our community fast response team to go and make the initial assessment of the patient’s medical condition rather than sending a more costly ambulance and crew, providing this was considered appropriate for the patient.”