In response to an expected rise in demand for respiratory care during the winter season, Pennine GP Alliance have re-launched their popular Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Hubs across the five Primary Care Networks in Calderdale – ensuring faster access to care and alleviating pressure on local GP practices and urgent care services during the busy winter months.
As respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and other infections become more prevalent during colder months, these hubs aim to provide timely assessments, advice, and treatment for people with symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and other signs of respiratory distress.
The ARI hubs, which are set up and managed by Pennine GP Alliance proved a huge success last year, creating almost 14,000 additional appointments during winter with a successful 95% utilisation rate across the 20 GP practices in Calderdale.
Importantly, the ARI Hubs offer a dedicated point of care for people who would otherwise need to visit their GP or attend urgent care services such as A&E unnecessarily. The hubs therefore ensure anyone with suspected respiratory issues are seen promptly while allowing GP practices to maintain their focus on routine care.
New for this winter is Point of Care Testing across all sites, a pin prick test providing quick results, often within minutes, to support doctors to make immediate decisions about treatment. This is great for detecting if an infection is either viral or bacterial so that antibiotics can be prescribed appropriately.
The five hubs are located at strategic points across Calderdale, ensuring accessibility for all local residents and provide assessments, diagnostic tests, oxygen saturation monitoring, medication, and follow-up care. Where necessary, people may be referred to their GP for further treatment.
The establishment of these hubs is a joint initiative with funding provided by Calderdale and Huddersfield Urgent and Emergency Care Board, part of Calderdale Cares Partnership, working together with Pennine GP Alliance to improve access to care during winter.
Dr Asif Yaseen, Chair of Pennine GP Alliance commented: “We recognise the unique pressures the winter season brings for our healthcare system, particularly with respiratory illnesses. These hubs will provide an essential service to our patients, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time and relieving pressure on our GPs.”
The Acute Respiratory Infection Hubs are officially open throughout the winter period and will run until Easter 2025. People contacting their GP practice with respiratory concerns can expect to be referred into an ARI hub if their symptoms match the criteria.
For further information please visit: www.penninegpa.co.uk/our-services/acute-respiratory-hubs