Paramedic Practitioner Support Scheme for Older People with Minor Injuries or Conditions South Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Sheffield

Rationale for Developing the New Service State of emergency services –Reforming Emergency Care – new initiatives –Audit Commission Report – appropriate response Extending the role of health professionals –NHS Plan – opportunities for NHS staff –JRCALC – education The effects of emergency services on older people –National Service Framework for Older People –Research?

Patient Profile Patient over the age of 60 taken to hospital by ambulance following a 999 call Assessed and treated for a minor injury or condition Discharged the same day Referred to other agencies – GP D/N

Identify Referral Pathways GPs District Nursing Social Services Hospital Departments

Project Group PCT Lead Intermediate Care Lead Clinical – Nursing/Medical Ambulance Service Out of Hours Collaborative Lead Social Services Manager / Team Leader Community Assessment Lead Single Assessment Process Manager Falls Clinic Lead University Representative

Service User Involvement Older Peoples Reference Group Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care Falls Clinic – Parkinson's Minor Injuries Unit Accident and Emergency Departments

Aims of the Service Provision of community-based clinical assessment for patients >60 years with minor acute conditions including falls Improve the experience of older people with minor acute conditions Reduce numbers of older people attending the ED Reduce waiting times of older people who require ED care Clinical and economic evaluation of the scheme

Special Skills Mobility and social needs assessment - CAICS ENT examination X-ray requests Protocol-led dispensing Referral processes: –GP –District Nurse –Hospital

Update - Service Provision

Primary Call

Disposal 527 Patients 515 patients

Service Evaluation RCT comparing a new service providing emergency clinical assessment and treatment by Paramedic Practitioners for older people calling 999 following minor acute events with the current standard service which involves ambulance transfer to and management in the nearest ED.

Future Developments Depends on success of trial Extended activation of the service Extend availability of service Ongoing evaluation of service quality Further courses in Sheffield

Thank You South Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Sheffield