Local NHS Trust is first Community Trust to join national NHS programme improving care for patients who need extra support.

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (ShropCom) has been chosen as the first community trust in the country to take part in a revolutionary NHS England project designed to improve care for patients who need extra support and closer monitoring in during their hospital stay.

ShropCom has joined 23 other NHS Trusts which are working together through the Enhanced Therapeutic Observation and Care (ETOC) programme. The programme focuses on improving care for patients who require enhanced care, including 1:1 support, extra observation, or specialist attention during their hospital stay.

Tracie Black, Associate Director for Workforce, Education & Professional Standards, ETOC Project Lead at ShropCom said:

“More people across the NHS need additional care due to being older and living with more complex health conditions. The national programme is helping Trusts find better and safer ways to deliver this level of care.”

ETOC aims to ensure that care is delivered in a holistic way which benefits both patients and care providers. ShropCom is looking to standardise the role across all their sites and to focus on building peer support within the team to share ideas and support each other.

Tracie Black added:

“Because staff are present and paying close attention to their patient, subtle changes in their condition can be spotted earlier, allowing prompt intervention and therefore better patient outcomes.

“By taking part in this national programme, ShropCom, along with the other NHS Trusts are continuing to keep their patients at the heart of the care they provide. This has helped revolutionise the way that patients are looked after and helps our staff deliver the best care possible.”

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