12 January 2017
Staff have been praised for delivering “fantastic” care as Shropshire’s acute hospitals continue to face high demand.
High numbers of attendances at A&E Departments, coupled with large numbers of admissions, have led to fresh calls for people to think carefully about whether they need the specialist services that A&E provides.
But despite the demand, staff at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford have been praised for their high levels of care.
Simon Wright, Chief Executive at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the two hospitals, said: “In common with acute Trusts across the country, we are currently experiencing incredibly high demand for our services. I am incredibly grateful to our staff for their hard work during this very busy time and for the high levels of care and dignity they continue to provide to our patients.”
One patient contacted SaTH, which runs the two hospitals, after being taken to A&E at RSH on Monday.
She said: “Following a fall at home on Monday afternoon I had to visit A&E at Shrewsbury. The attention I received was second to none; in fact fantastic.
“X-ray was very, very good and a broken wrist was diagnosed. I was given an appointment for Tuesday at the fracture clinic, where again attention was first class. The team then arranged surgery at Oswestry, where they had a gap in their operating list – again all great.”
Another patient who has been treated by SaTH three times in recent weeks, emailed to say: “Having broken four ribs, I was treated at Shrewsbury Hospital – twice in A&E and I spent one night in hospital.
“I am writing to express my gratitude for the excellent treatment which I received from all three of my visits to your hospital.
“The staff (doctors, nurses and support staff) were all both technically competent and caring and you should all be congratulated for the excellent service which you provided.”
SaTH has been working closely with partners across health and social care services to help ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible despite the high demand.
Shropshire Council and Shropshire’s Community Health NHS Trust’s (ShropCom) joint Integrated Community Service (ICS) is providing support for patients who are ready to leave hospital. This involves a team of carers, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists working with the person to help them regain their skills and independence.
ICS teams also work closely with partner organisations to identify people who need support to avoid an admission to hospital in the first place.
The council’s remodelled Adult Social Care Brokerage system is proving successful in helping discharged patients to quickly find the right care package to help them rehabilitate at home.
Similar to ICS in Shropshire, ShropCom’s Rapid Response Team is designed to help patients registered with a GP Practice in Telford & Wrekin leave hospital when they are ready, or avoid an admission to hospital altogether.
When demand for support is high, the Rapid Response Team will work with colleagues in A&E to identify people who can be supported without having to be admitted to hospital.
Almost 900 people have attended the A&Es at RSH and PRH in the last three days and nearly 500 people have been admitted through A&E and assessment units for further treatment in that time.
Debbie Kadum, Chief Operating Officer at SaTH, added: “Our hospitals continue to be incredibly busy, along with many others across the country.
“It’s really important that people think carefully about alternative local services, which can avoid what can be a lengthy and stressful visit to hospital.
“Many conditions can be seen much more quickly using alternative services and A&E should only be used for the most serious injuries and illnesses.
“Pharmacies are often seen simply as dispensaries for medication, but pharmacists are experts in medicines and will use their clinical expertise, together with their practical knowledge to offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
“NHS 111 can provide medical help fast when it’s not a 999 emergency.
“As well as this, minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries.”