University FT uses A&E data to tackle crime

The trust has helped to establish one of the leading national examples of A&E data sharing, coordinated by the Trauma and Injury Intelligence Group (TIIG), based at the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University.

Reception staff at the trust’s Arrowe Park Hospital reception record details of assaults during the admissions process.

Anonymised A&E data is shared with Liverpool John Moores University, which collates similar information from local police, fire and ambulance services. The helps to identify local crime hotspots, highlight at risk groups and evaluate intervention efforts.

Since launching the programme in 2002, Arrowe Park has seen a significant reduction in A&E admissions relating to violent crime.

Commenting on the project, Chris Oliver associate director of operations for acute care said:

“The reception staff are very proactive when going through the questions and the automated system makes it simple and quick to capture the data.

“It’s very rewarding for our staff to see the reduction in people coming into the department. It’s a win-win.”