Happy one-year anniversary- for the successful Rapid Response health and social care team in Telford and Wrekin
20 November 2020
A borough service that supports residents aged over 18 to remain independent in their own homes following a health crisis is celebrating one year since launch, with outstanding results.
The Health and Social Care Rapid Response Team (HSCRRT), launched in November last year, supports Telford and Wrekin residents who are experiencing a rapid decline of their health and are in crisis and at risk of being admitted to hospital.
The team integrates Community Nurses, Social Workers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics, Non-medical prescribers and Call Handlers into one team.
Residents can be referred to the team from a range of agencies such as the emergency department, West Midlands Ambulance Service, 111, GPs, Family Connect, community health and social care teams, care homes and the voluntary sector.
Residents are then assessed within two hours from being referred to the Rapid Response Team.
Since their launch a year ago, the Rapid Response Team has received over 1,500 referrals.
On receiving a referral, the team provides an immediate response to crisis using new, state of the art equipment as well as puts a plan in place to help resolve the health issue and prevent it from happening again – enabling residents to remain as independent as possible in their own home.
95% of residents referred to the team were able to stay in their own home rather than be admitted to a hospital or care bed.
‘A wonderful service, I could not believe how quickly they arrived to help me”, “Would recommend the team to any of my family and friends who may be as vulnerable as we have felt”, “We know now what we need to do to maintain good recovery at home” - are just a few of the many positive comments the team has received so far from the people they’ve supported, their family and carers.
Andy Burford, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The HSCRRT service has been essential in this last year and particularly since the start of the pandemic.
“The team has been helping to reduce hospital admissions and to ease as such, the pressure on our NHS staff - as it is giving our residents the right help at the right time, managing their conditions at home with specialist support.
“Our residents feel much happier as well, being able to stay in the comfort of their own home and getting the much-needed care and advice at the same time.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the team and to all our partners for their amazing hard –work and dedication in this last year.
“It shows that this innovative partnership approach is really successful – we will be definitely continuing to provide the rapid response services as an integral part of our community.”
Tracey Jones, Deputy Executive Integrated Care at Telford and Wrekin CCG, said: “We were delighted to have been involved at the conception of the combined Health and Social Care Rapid Response Service which is now celebrating its first anniversary.
“The service, which accepts referrals from GP practices as well as other professionals across the borough, has had significant results in the community and, in many cases, reduced the need for patients to go to hospital. It’s a great example of partnership working.”
Gemma McIver, Deputy Director of Operations at Shropcom said: ‘As a Community Trust, enabling people to receive treatment as close to home as possible is at the heart of what we do, so we were very excited to be involved in developing this service.
“The Health and Social Care Rapid Response Team really demonstrate the positive impact that can be made on people’s lives by organisations working together; giving people instant access to a wide range of expertise and support.
"Despite all the challenges the pandemic has brought, the team have had a fantastic first year. We are all really proud of what they have achieved and can’t wait to see how the service continues to develop in the future.”
To find out more about the Health & Social Care Rapid Response Team, visit https://livewell.telford.gov.uk/Services/2277/The-Health-Social
The team integrates Community Nurses, Social Workers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics, Non-medical prescribers and Call Handlers into one team.
Residents can be referred to the team from a range of agencies such as the emergency department, West Midlands Ambulance Service, 111, GPs, Family Connect, community health and social care teams, care homes and the voluntary sector.
Residents are then assessed within two hours from being referred to the Rapid Response Team.
Since their launch a year ago, the Rapid Response Team has received over 1,500 referrals.
On receiving a referral, the team provides an immediate response to crisis using new, state of the art equipment as well as puts a plan in place to help resolve the health issue and prevent it from happening again – enabling residents to remain as independent as possible in their own home.
95% of residents referred to the team were able to stay in their own home rather than be admitted to a hospital or care bed.
‘A wonderful service, I could not believe how quickly they arrived to help me”, “Would recommend the team to any of my family and friends who may be as vulnerable as we have felt”, “We know now what we need to do to maintain good recovery at home” - are just a few of the many positive comments the team has received so far from the people they’ve supported, their family and carers.
Andy Burford, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The HSCRRT service has been essential in this last year and particularly since the start of the pandemic.
“The team has been helping to reduce hospital admissions and to ease as such, the pressure on our NHS staff - as it is giving our residents the right help at the right time, managing their conditions at home with specialist support.
“Our residents feel much happier as well, being able to stay in the comfort of their own home and getting the much-needed care and advice at the same time.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the team and to all our partners for their amazing hard –work and dedication in this last year.
“It shows that this innovative partnership approach is really successful – we will be definitely continuing to provide the rapid response services as an integral part of our community.”
Tracey Jones, Deputy Executive Integrated Care at Telford and Wrekin CCG, said: “We were delighted to have been involved at the conception of the combined Health and Social Care Rapid Response Service which is now celebrating its first anniversary.
“The service, which accepts referrals from GP practices as well as other professionals across the borough, has had significant results in the community and, in many cases, reduced the need for patients to go to hospital. It’s a great example of partnership working.”
Gemma McIver, Deputy Director of Operations at Shropcom said: ‘As a Community Trust, enabling people to receive treatment as close to home as possible is at the heart of what we do, so we were very excited to be involved in developing this service.
“The Health and Social Care Rapid Response Team really demonstrate the positive impact that can be made on people’s lives by organisations working together; giving people instant access to a wide range of expertise and support.
"Despite all the challenges the pandemic has brought, the team have had a fantastic first year. We are all really proud of what they have achieved and can’t wait to see how the service continues to develop in the future.”
To find out more about the Health & Social Care Rapid Response Team, visit https://livewell.telford.gov.uk/Services/2277/The-Health-Social
Page last reviewed: 29 September 2021
Next review due: 1 October 2024