An integrated care programme (ICP) is helping to reduce long-term hospital admissions in Norfolk.
Launched in 2010, the programme was developed by NHS North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (NNCCG) in partnership with regional GP practices and local social services.
During this period the number of people admitted into the region’s hospitals with long-term and preventable illness has decreased. This in turn alleviates pressure on the urgent care system.
An integrated care programme (ICP) is helping to reduce long-term hospital admissions in Norfolk.
Launched in 2010, the programme was developed by NHS North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (NNCCG) in partnership with regional GP practices and local social services.
During this period the number of people admitted into the region’s hospitals with long-term and preventable illness has decreased. This in turn alleviates pressure on the urgent care system.
In total, the number of patients admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the James Paget University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital between April and November last year decreased by 13%.
During the same period the number of avoidable admissions also decreased by 2.7%.
The programme also covers many of the requirements of the national Better Care Fund, which seeks to drive forward the integration between health and social care – and meets the challenge issued by NHS chief executive Simon Stevens in his Five Year Forward View for new patient-centred models of care to be developed that meet the needs of an ageing population.
NNCCG’s chairman, Dr Anoop Dhesi said: “The importance of integrating health and social care has long been a priority for the NHS but with hospitals across the UK facing unprecedented demand, the need for a system that allows people to receive care in their homes and communities has never been greater.
“The programme we have developed along with our partners in North Norfolk is already having a major impact by allowing us to provide effective care for patients at a local level – thereby relieving pressure on the urgent care system. Our challenge now is to build on this success.”
