South West London CCG Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21

• Relatively small numbers of patients waiting more than 52 weeks, but we recognise the impact this has on individuals. • We are working collaboratively across South West London to maximise our skills and capacity to safely care for people in the shortest time possible, whilst safely continuing to treat people with the virus. NHS 111 First Croydon was one of the first in London to pilot a new approach to make it easier for people to access urgent and emergency care – just by contacting 111 first. ‘NHS 111 First’ is a national initiative that aims to support people to access the right care first time, reduce A&E waiting times and protect patients and staff from Covid-19, with fewer people in waiting rooms for safe social distancing. NHS 111 can book appointments directly to services across the borough, depending on clinical need including set times of arrival in A&E and the Urgent Treatment Centre, a same day call back from GP or local pharmacists for urgent repeat prescriptions and advice. Supporting local people with ongoing symptoms following coronavirus Croydon Health Services now provides multidisciplinary support for GPs to help care for those recovering post-Covid. This service aims to help people recover at home, keep them well and, where possible, out of hospital. Working together, the hospital, community teams, public health and GPs work to identify people in our community who need support after experiencing Covid-19. This includes care for patients that had prolonged stays in intensive care or mechanical ventilation and coordinated care for people who have developed respiratory problems after Covid-19. By increasing GP access to hospital consultant expertise, including renal, neurological, cardiac and haematology, patients are better supported and together we are planning to include therapies, rehabilitation and psychological services that match our local population’s needs. Integrated Community Care Networks + (ICN+) Integrated Community Networks are a new model of care that bring together teams of professionals from across health, social care and the community and voluntary sector to provide better, more joined up services for Croydon patients. Our priority in Croydon is to provide proactive, preventative care in community settings, so that people can be supported to live at home for longer and lead healthier, happier and more independent lives. Croydon’s first Integrated Community Care Network team came together in the North East Locality in July 2020 and includes social workers, community nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, personal independence coordinators, mental health support, pharmacy supports. Drop-in clinics have been held virtually due to the 44 | NHS South West London Clinical Commissioning Group