Important message: Resident doctors' industrial action 17 December to 22 December

Care closer to home model of care

Overview

The West Essex Health and Care Partnership is working to make sure people can get the care they need in or near their own homes.

Research shows that staying at home with the right support helps people:

  • feel better
  • recover faster
  • stay healthier for longer

It also means health issues can be spotted and treated earlier.

How it works

The Partnership, which is made up of health and social care services, works together to make sure services are local to you, easy to access and flexible – whether someone needs more support or is recovering and needs less. Everyone involved in providing care works closely together to make this happen.

Who’s involved

  • You and your family or carers
  • Local care co-ordination centres – bringing together:
    • Social care
    • Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT)
    • GP practices and pharmacies
    • Hospitals and urgent and emergency care teams
    • Hubs handling NHS 111 and 999 calls

Levels of care and interventions

We offer different types of care depending on what you need and whether medical professionals need to get involved.

Public health campaigns

GP, community pharmacy, dentistry and optician services

Community support like:

  • exercise classes

  • loneliness cafes
  • befriending services.

Help with long-term conditions

GP, community pharmacy, dentistry and optician services

Specialist teams (eg for diabetes, heart failure, respiratory conditions and frailty)

Remote health monitoring for patients with long-term conditions

Teams made up of medical and social care professionals working within local neighbourhood to manage care for people at risk of needing more help

Early intervention to avoid hospital stays

Minor injuries support

Rapid response teams in the community to avoid the potential risk of hospital admission

Integrated 2-hour urgent care response in the community, avoiding the need for hospital attendance or admission

Virtual wards and hospital at home services

Short-term recovery and rehab (including stroke and neurology care)

Outpatient appointments

Diagnostics (eg tests and scans)

Access to specialist advice and guidance

Same day emergency care

Hospital admission and specialist intervention when needed

Some people may become suddenly unwell and need help fast at home to avoid going into hospital. This kind of quick response helps keep them safe and prevents their condition from getting worse.

Using technology to improve care

Steps 2 to 4 use digital tools to help us spot risks early and co-ordinate care better. This helps us meet growing demand, improve patient experience and support the NHS’s financial recovery.