07.08.15
NHS partners win integrated care contract
A group of healthcare partners have secured a contract to manage a pioneering health and social integrated care service in Ealing that aims to help patients return home after a hospital stay and avoid superfluous hospital admission.
The group, led by West London Mental Health NHS Trust (WLMHT), includes Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), Ealing Social Services, London Central and West Unscheduled Care Collaborative (LCW) and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
All patients in the service will have their own ‘key worker’ and access to 24-hour support.
The innovative service expects over 5,000 patient referrals a year from GPs and carers from hospitals and the community in the borough of Ealing.
It will also take referrals from A&E and hospital wards to manage short and long-term health conditions.
Additionally it intends to promote independent living for locals and improve the self-care skills of patients, carers and relevant families, as well as offer quick access to various healthcare specialists.
Steve Shrubb, chief executive of the WLMHT, said: “This is a significant milestone in our strategy to develop into other areas of work, as we will be providing social care, along with both physical and mental healthcare to local people.
“We are really excited about this new service which will build upon an existing one by providing a single route for more patients to access support.”
Chief executive of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS FT, Libby McManus, also praised the integrated care project and said: “Providing a joined-up service for our most vulnerable patients is a crucial part of ensuring that they get the services they need in the right place and at the right time.”
Stephen Day, director of adult social care services for the London Borough of Ealing – which will be funding the £5m a year service jointly with Ealing CCG – praised the group’s “clear understanding” of the health needs of the local population.