A RAPID response service led by community matrons is helping to reduce GP call-outs and hospital admissions.

The service, delivered by community staff from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was launched three years ago as a nurse-led service to assess patients in their own homes.

Operating in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, it has now been enhanced with the addition of community matrons who have more advanced clinical skills and particular expertise with patients with long term conditions.

Since their introduction GP referrals to the service, which runs from 8am to 11pm seven days a week, have increased from around three a month to around 16 a month.

“We have seen a big increase in referrals,” said Val Gair, the trust’s head of nursing for integrated medical care.

“The GPs have a lot of confidence in the community matrons as they can offer advanced clinical skills and nurse prescribing. It is easing pressures on the system as GPs don’t have to be called out or admit the patient to hospital. Previously around 75 per cent of these patients would have ended up going into hospital.”

South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group has seen a 3.9 per cent reduction in emergency admissions over the last year which compares to a 3.9 per cent increase nationally.

Rapid response patients are monitored for 72 hours before either being discharged or placed under the care of their local community matron.

Referrals come from GPs or NHS 111 - the NHS non-emergency number - and must be responded to within two hours. Patients should call 111 if they urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.

Eighteen community matrons cover the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland area and the service links in with the integrated community care team for patients who require long-term care.