The East of England Ambulance Service Charity has secured a grant of more than £116,000 for an innovative approach to help patients get the help they need. The charity won the funds from NHS Charities Together for developing a way to signpost patients with ‘unmet needs’ to wider community support pathways.
The funds have been awarded thanks to the Ambulance Grants Programme which was launched by NHS Charities Together in March 2021 in recognition of the vital work that ambulance charities do to support the work of the NHS. Thanks to the support of the public, the grant is part of £7 million, which has been allocated across all the ambulance charities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Hidden needs
The East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) crews often meet people with 'hidden needs' such as loneliness, self-isolation, or lack of carer respite while on calls.
The staff and volunteers regularly go over and above to do everything they can to support patients, but there is no designated service to formally recognize and support these patients during their time of need. This can lead to repeat 999 callers, or patients getting the help that does not necessarily address these issues.
Unmet Needs Navigator Team
Crews ask patients if they wish to be contacted by the team who will in turn discuss available help and support
The introduction of the Unmet Needs Navigator Team will bridge this gap and help patients with social and community support. Crews will ask patients if they wish to be contacted by the team who will in turn discuss available help and support. The project helps identify gaps in services for patients to improve community support.
Duncan Moore, part of the clinical leadership team within EEAST, said, “COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on social isolation, which has affected physical and mental health, and is evident in the increase in demand on our healthcare system."
18-month pilot
Duncan Moore said, “With an ever-changing demand being placed upon the clinicians that respond to the community on behalf of EEAST, any additional innovation that supports them to ensure the needs of the patient, their family, or their carers can be better met is very much welcomed. “
The scheme will run initially as an 18-month pilot and will assist in providing the right care in the right place, and by the right service, to reduce pressure on NHS services across the region.
East of England Ambulance Service Charity
EEAST is engaging with the community and social pathways to develop a framework of trusted partners to support this exciting project. Partners will include services such as local authorities, social care partners, link workers, and integrated care bodies.
The East of England Ambulance Service Charity operates for the benefit of staff, volunteers, and the local communities in the East of England, providing enhancements to welfare and amenities, including training equipment and materials, care packages, and wellbeing spaces, in addition to equipping and supporting CFR groups across the East of England region.