New Primary Care Hubs Launched in Cornwall to Provide Urgent Care and Reduce Hospital Admissions

In a significant boost to healthcare services in Cornwall, eight new Primary Care Hubs have been introduced across the county to offer urgent care appointments on the same day, aiming to keep individuals at home and out of hospital settings. This initiative, designed to alleviate the daily pressures faced by general practices, enables GP surgeries to refer patients to these hubs based on specific criteria, thus ensuring timely medical attention for those in need.

Strategically located in Launceston, Bodmin, St Austell, Truro, Mount Hawke, Redruth, Helston, and St Ives, the hubs are part of a broader winter plan devised to enhance the efficiency of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s health and care system. Dr. Janine Glazier, speaking on the matter, emphasised that the primary care hubs are intended to facilitate quicker patient care during the winter months and allow individuals with complex, long-term conditions more frequent access to their usual healthcare professionals.

Patients seeking appointments must go through their GP surgery, which will then schedule a visit to the most conveniently located primary care hub. This system ensures that care is coordinated and meets the specific health needs of each individual.

The services at the primary care hubs are provided by experienced health professionals, including GPs and practitioners skilled in managing minor illnesses. They offer a range of care options, from advice to prescribing medication, tailored to the patient’s immediate health concerns.

Feedback from patients who have utilised the hubs has been overwhelmingly positive. Lisa Davey shared her experience of receiving prompt care for a persistent cough, highlighting the efficiency of the e-consult system and the quick response time in securing an appointment. Similarly, Helen Sowden recounted her relief at being offered an appointment on the same day for a worsening cough following the flu virus, showcasing the system’s capability to address urgent health issues effectively.

In addition to the primary care hubs, the winter plan for Cornwall includes several other components aimed at preventing hospital admissions and supporting individuals in the community. These measures include extra places in Community Assessment Treatment units, personal health budgets, and increased investment in local community support services like the Community Gateway telephone service and community hubs.

The success stories emerging from this initiative, such as that of Bob Burgess, who received comprehensive support following a minor injury, underscore the positive impact of the integrated health and care strategy on the lives of Cornwall’s residents. Burgess’s experience of receiving care that allowed him to stay at home highlights the broader goal of these efforts: to provide compassionate, effective care that respects the preferences and needs of patients.

For more information on the services available this winter, residents are encouraged to visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website, which offers detailed guidance on the support mechanisms in place, including information on leaving hospital, virtual wards, and health advice for families.