Saxmundham Health, as part of the East Suffolk Federation, has been shortlisted for “Improving Health Care through Technology” and NHS Suffolk, in conjunction with the Primary Care Research Network, has been shortlisted for “Research in Culture”. There are eight finalists in both categories.
Saxmundham Health, with NHS Suffolk colleagues, has been nominated for the innovative Advice Letter Listing Scheme (ALL), which reduced the number of unnecessary gynaecology and urology outpatient appointments by 23% over the last 12 months.
The ALL scheme ensures that every GP referral letter is reviewed by a hospital consultant within three days and before an outpatient appointment is made. This means that the consultant has an opportunity to:
- Select the correct Ipswich Hospital clinic/specialist or a Community Clinic if appropriate.
- Ask the GP to arrange further relevant tests to prevent patients having to return to Ipswich Hospital unnecessarily
- Recommend a community management plan, with the patient being treated in the community by their GP, rather than in hospital.
The new service is being implemented across the whole of East Suffolk to ensure that all patients receive the best care in the right place. ALL will bring Consultants and GPs closer together for the benefit of patients.
Dr John Havard of Saxmundham Health said: “The ALL Scheme has delivered immense benefits to patients by reducing the number of unnecessary trips to hospital which can be both expensive and inconvenient.
The NHS Suffolk shortlisting for the “Research Culture” award recognises its work in promoting clinical research and patient participation in clinical studies.
NHS Suffolk is ranked as one of the highest research recruiting primary care trusts in England with 2164 patients being involved in research and study programmes in 2010-11, involving hypertension, diabetes and stopping smoking.
Dr Paul Watson, NHS Suffolk’s chief executive said: “Being shortlisted in these two categories is a fantastic achievement which highlights the commitment of NHS staff to delivering the very best level of healthcare to people in Suffolk.”
For more information on the HSJ Awards visit www.hsjawards.co.uk
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk
