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The Solihull Rapid Response Team has expanded its service for patients from 1 March 2022, as part of a 12-week pilot.

This service plays a critical role in avoiding preventable admissions to hospitals, care homes and attendances at A&E. By working flexibly with a "no wrong door" ethos, the team helps to improve the quality and capacity of care for people in the community by delivering urgent care within two hours. The service has access to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, community matrons and district nurses, the Older Peoples Assessment and Liaison (OPAL) multi-disciplinary team, as well as social care.

As part of the pilot, the team is working in partnership with Ambulance Service 24 (which is providing resource including a paramedic, 4x4 marked response vehicle, manual handling equipment and emergency response kit) and West Midlands Ambulance Service. They respond to patients who have fallen without injury and are not able to self-rescue (Category 3 and 4 calls), plus any additional Category 3 and 4 calls, as appropriate.

The Rapid Response Service already sees and treats any patient over the age of 18 with a Solihull GP with conditions including:

• suspected infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI)
• chest infections
• cellulitis
• acerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other long-term conditions
• decompensation of frailty
• reduced mobility “off legs”
• new confusion/delirium
• urgent blocked catheters
• falls with no apparent injury

It is hoped the team’s expanded patient criteria will not only improve patient experience and outcomes, such as supporting people’s independence to remain at home as long as possible, but will have the additional benefit of improved use of resources across the system.

Referrals will typically be from general practice, West Midlands Ambulance Service, NHS 111, A&E/same-day emergency care, frailty assessment units, or community-based health and social care (including care homes).