Showcasing integrated care and partnership working

NHS South East London Chair, Richard Douglas, visits Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to view new initiatives improving care.

16 Feb 2023
Bexley
Greenwich
Partners

The importance of integrated care and partnership working were showcased during a recent visit by Richard Douglas, Chair for the South East London Integrated Care Board, to Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

Richard was delighted to be welcomed to the trust’s Adult Community Physical Health Services where he met both the Urgent Community Responses services (JET) in Greenwich and Bexley Rapid Response Team. These integrated health and social care teams provide a two-hour response to those at risk of presenting to an acute hospital.

The teams talked though some of the new initiatives they are involved in such as a Falls Pick Up service and developing new and exciting roles within the service such as Paramedics and Advanced Nurse practitioners.

Richard then visited Bexley and Greenwich District Nursing staff  to hear about some the challenges they are facing due to high demand and the national drive to support people in their homes. The staff spoke with pride about their dedication to their patients and how they work with carers and other partners to support housebound residents within our local population.

The final stop was a visit to the Bexley MSK service who receive around 400 referrals per week. Richard heard how the service has created a self-management platform and the positive impact the service has on reducing onward referrals to secondary care.

Following the visit, Richard said: “I found it both interesting and enjoyable, you have a great bunch of people there doing a great job.”