The closure of the Downe Emergency Department at the weekends led to staff exploring
alternative models of care delivery.
There was a strong belief amongst staff that a Safe Service could be provided within the Downe
hospital by utilising the expertise of the Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENP).
A unique collaboration between the ENPs, the Out-of-Hours GP Service (OOHGP) and the Downe
medical staff began.
What we created was a unique; 'Enhanced' Service. The service is multi-faceted where patients
can be seen for a minor injury, or access the OOHGP Service or where needed, be admitted to the
Downe and safely transferred if required.
ENPs have been proven to make a direct and sizeable impact in reducing waiting times in
Emergency Department and indeed one ENP can see over a quarter of all attendances to the
Emergency Department on a daily basis. Data collected has shown that on average the ENP
can see and treat around 80% of all walk-in attendances. To date there have been no adverse
incidents and no complaints.
The Service provides a timely intervention for patients, with most patients being assessed and
treated within one hour of attending. A Patient Satisfactory Survey carried out after the initial
opening of the service found that 100% of patient's deemed the service professional, safe and
effective.
The staff themselves say:
"Nurses can make such an impact on services and their potential and capabilities are
endless".
"This weekend service is one of a kind, a pioneering idea that has grown and is continually
redefining itself".
"It works well because we have a firm belief in its potential and have a superb team
supporting it".
Shortlisted to Finals of Chairman's Awards:
'Outstanding Team'
Enhanced Minor Injury Service.
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