Aimed to help alleviate some of the pressures GP surgeries are often exposed to, a collaboration with our Federation Merton Health and the London Ambulance Service saw the start of the paramedic home visiting service, currently in its 2nd year of running. Working on rotation and equipped with their medical bags, you may have spotted our paramedics; Ben and Luke, on their e-bikes, travelling door to door up and down the streets of Merton visiting patients within our PCN patch. Here is what Luke had to say about paramedics and the PCN home visiting service: ‘Paramedics are often experienced in acute (conditions that have a sudden onset which are generally managed for a short time) medical care. They are able to perform a complete set of observations, as well as blood tests, to identify red flags that may suggest the need for escalation or further treatment. They have access to referral pathways such as social prescribing, physiotherapy and pharmacists. They are able to collaborate with your General Practitioner (GP) following your assessment to send prescriptions to your nominated pharmacy, however some paramedics are able to independently prescribe. Home Visiting Service – Paramedics If you have an appointment or home visit with a paramedic for an undiagnosed medical issue, you can expect detailed history taking, investigation / assessment and a discussion on your diagnosis and management.’ Our paramedics have been on hand to help assess and treat a range of patients in the community, including; those suffering from long term conditions, vulnerable patients such as elderly / frail patients or those who have recently been discharged from hospital. Once a patient is assessed, they then work with our GPs for appropriate follow up care, onward referral or to assist with existing care plans. Below are some example Age UK Merton activities our paramedics have previously referred to: Mid week lunches earth-europe tiny.cc/7mt2vz Social club (Mondays & Wednesdays) + Craft Club (Tuesdays) earth-europe tiny.cc/8mt2vz Chair based exercise (over zoom Tuesday & Wednesday in person) earth-europe tiny.cc/9mt2vz 24
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