Source: Emergency Medical Journal 2010 27 (3) p. 186-188
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Date of publication: March 2010
Publication type: Journal article
In a nutshell: This commissioned article outlines the current system for urgent care in the UK. It considers that these systems have evolved over time and are often complex for patients, carers and healthcare providers, with poor knowledge of the available services by all parties.
The article considers some of the issues around emergency departments, out-of-hours care , and NHS Direct 24. The authors summarise that we currently have a complex system and need to move to a more integrated system that requires a coordinated approach with clear goals and crosses current organisational and professional boundaries. This will require strong leadership, which does not see a purely bricks and mortar solution and will be best delivered within local health economies.
The article concludes with a number of principles for improving the urgent care system
Length of publication: 3 pages
Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.
