Southern Health over target despite admissions cut

Board papers released by the trust under the Freedom of Information Act show that in the first quarter of 2011-12 there were 2,827 admissions, compared with 2,925 last year.

The figure was expected to rise by 73, meaning the overall fall was 171. However, the trust’s target was for 2,180 admissions.

The trust said work was ongoing with local GPs to cut admission rates, including a data review of patients who are frequent users of acute care to target, assess, and manage those cases.

There have been marked improvements in avoidable admissions to the East Hampshire and Winchester and Eastleigh acute trusts following the introduction of measures including community rapid assessment units.