Trial planned to have GPs in EOC

A project that has placed GPs in the Norwich control room is set to expand across the region later this year.

GP advice is currently available on a pilot basis to crews in Norfolk, to give them additional guidance for admission avoidance and more appropriate care pathways for patients.

This expanding project aims to add this advice line for crews in all areas, and will also allow the Trust-sourced GPs to be a part of a trial triage system for selected Green 2 calls; the GP will have the option to speak to the caller for agreed calls and assess if they’re suitable for a different care pathway. If they deem it appropriate and safe, they’ll then be able to stand down our ambulance or RRV from the incident.

The GP rota will be targeted to the busiest periods of our working week and further details will follow on how and when crews can access this helpful advice.

This is a joint project with our commissioners, who have agreed to provide additional funding as part of our 2015/16 CQUIN scheme to explore the benefits this can offer to patients and the wider healthcare system.

The initial trials in Norwich EOC have shown positive results; keep an eye on Need to Know for further updates soon! 

Published 13th August, 2015