Signposting System To Ensure Patients Get Appropriate Care

Changes to patient care at Doncaster A&E could reduce waiting times, but concerns have been raised that the proposals could also result in more people going to hospital instead of seeing their GPs.

The changes, due to be implemented in October, will introduce a clinically supported signposting service to make sure patients are directed to the staff most able to provide them with appropriate care.

Chris Stainforth, Chief Officer with the Clinical Commissioning Group, said the current system for urgent care is "fragile both nationally and locally", and the new streamlined system will help to reduce pressure on A&E staff.

Local councillor John Sheppard raised concerns that this system could encourage more people to go to hospital for non-emergencies, leading to more people overall arriving at A&E.

However, Mr Stainforth replied that the new system will help to change patient habits over the longer term.

"If we get the front door bit right it will be an educational tool for the patients so they know they are going to get the care they need when they need it," he said.

Expert Opinion

Waiting times in accident and emergency departments at hospitals around the UK have regularly been criticised, so it is extremely positive to see changes being made in Doncaster to try and cut down the time patients are waiting for the treatment they need. In our work we have seen the impact delays can have for patients and it is vital these are reduced as much as possible. <br/> <br/>“However, it is important any measures implemented to reduce A&E waiting times do not have a negative impact on other areas of care. An increase in the number of people arriving at A&E departments in Doncaster will only serve to stretch the service even further, so it is crucial these measures are considered very carefully and are only implemented after detailed consideration. Tom Mather - Partner