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The resident population in eastern and coastal Kent is
around 700,000 and the projected number of elderly residents is set
to rise by 42% by 2020.
A model for improving the current system of urgent and emergency
care for patients will mean all health and social care
professionals working together as a team with the patient at the
centre. This will improve communication and the effective use of
NHS and social care resources.
The improvements mean a simpler and more consistent approach to
treatment at a centre, in the community or in the patient's own
home.
The Eastern and Coastal Kent Urgent Care Model supports care
closer to home and aims to have comprehensive community services
available in each locality. It also aims to offer a number of
locally based urgent care services - which may include Urgent Care,
Emergency, Accident, Trauma and Specialist Centres - across east
Kent, where the patient will be able to walk in or phone for
advice, assessment and treatment.
In the future, services will be delivered as close to home as
possible through a variety of community services and, if a hospital
visit can't be avoided, Urgent Care Centres or in more specialised
units.
There will also be quick and simple access to services available
24 hours a day throughout the year. This will make the patient
journey better and they will be seen by the most appropriately
skilled members of staff to meet their needs.
A continuity of care between health and social care services
will ensure resources are best used and patient information is
available to all those providing treatment.
The public, patients, staff and the wider community will be
involved in future planning and the overseeing of services and the
provision of services. |