In a positive display of collaboration, a strategic response was mounted to combat the Strep A outbreak that emerged in winter 2022-23.
At the heart of the local response in Calderdale was NHS England’s decision to fund the creation of an Acute Respiratory Hub, initially earmarked for a single location. However, in a testament to the spirit of partnership and shared commitment to the community’s well-being, the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) worked with the Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) to extend the scope of this initiative to encompass two sites.
These Acute Respiratory Hubs operate outside of typical GP hours and are set up so that people with respiratory conditions can receive the treatment they need without having to go to A&E.
Once the contract was awarded PGPA mobilised the Hub’s availability to patients at speed ensuring that appointments were available within a mere two weeks of being granted the contract. This rapid mobilisation was vital, as it enabled timely access to much-needed care for those affected by the Strep A outbreak.
Over the course of 15 weeks, the Acute Respiratory Hubs conducted a total of 4,136 appointments.
Despite the geographical limitations of being funded for only two locations, the impact was unmistakable. Feedback in the early weeks noted concerns about patients who were unable to travel to the designated hubs so PGPA negotiated a relaxation of criteria paving the way for a small percentage of patients to be seen remotely opening access to care for those who needed it most but were geographically unable to travel to an appointment. This strategic shift, executed during weeks 9-15, resulted in a marked increase in uptake of appointments and supporting patient affected by the outbreak.
Perhaps the most striking impact of the Acute Respiratory Hubs was the alleviation of pressure on traditional general practice settings.
Patient feedback painted a clear picture with circa 90% of patients from each Calderdale Primary Care Network noting that they would have sought to address their health concerns within general practice facilities if they had not been referred to an Acute Respiratory Hub.
The success of the Action Respiratory Hubs is a testament to the power of collaborative work across the locality, rapid deployment, and a dedication to reducing the strain on primary healthcare facilities.