Clinical hub eases pressure on A&E in east Kent

The clinical hub in Ramsgate has triaged more than 300 patients since February

An initiative aimed at relieving the pressure on A&E departments has been delivering "positive early results" in east Kent, according to the NHS trust which runs it.

The clinical co-ordination hub based at South East Coast Ambulance (Secamb) service's Thanet Make Ready Centre, in Ramsgate, follows trials in Paddock Wood and Ashford.

The scheme, launched in February, allows NHS specialists to work together to decide on care for patients, many at the scene of accidents.

It has so far triaged more than 300 patients, "avoiding A&E admission" for many who were "discharged for further community input", Secamb said.

The scheme is a partnership between Secamb and the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

"It involves multi-discipline teams joining paramedic practitioners to help ensure 999 calls made in the Thanet area receive the most appropriate response and care," a spokesperson said.

Joshua Byrne-Smith, practice development lead at Secamb, said: "The team has grown in understanding of what our community partners can provide.

"Collaboratively, they work together to ensure the right care gets to the right patient at the right time."