Nuffield Trust has found that offering support, through a new GP service, to care homes seven days a week has reduced emergency hospital admissions by almost 40 per cent.
The cost of these admissions is valued at £1,000 per patient per year.
Health 1000 gives care homes access to GP support from 8am-8pm, seven days a week, as well as training and advice for staff and help from a geriatrician.
An evaluation of the scheme has shown that it has already resulted in a 36 per cent reduction in emergency hospital admissions and reduced emergency bed days in hospital by 53 per cent.
The report has made note of the fact the success of the scheme depends on the quality and continuity of relationships developed between GPs and nursing homes.
Nuffield Trust senior research analyst, Chris Sherlaw-Johnson, said:-
“When social care and hospital services are under severe pressure it is encouraging to have found a service that appears to show real benefits for nursing home residents and staff.
“This research shows how primary care may be able to take the burden off local hospitals as well as offering better quality of care in a more comfortable environment.”
