A new report which shines a light on the vital role independent providers of primary, community and diagnostic services have played in supporting the NHS during the most recent waves of the pandemic, features community healthcare services provider, Connect Health.
The report, ‘Working together during the second and third waves of Covid19‘, examines the breadth of support that the sector has provided to the NHS and patients across the country through what was arguably the most challenging winter period in the health service’s history. It follows the Independent Healthcare Providers Network’s (IHPN) ‘Working together during Covid19’, which was published last summer and explored the key role independent providers played during the first wave of the coronavirus.
Over the last year, Connect Health has worked closely with NHS partners to support patients and colleagues, alike. This included redeploying clinicians to the frontline and assisting within nightingale hospitals and vaccination centres.
Connect Health’s PhysioNow® digital triage solution – which provides clinically-led remote triage and support for patients with musculoskeletal conditions– has also provided a vital lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when face-to-face appointments were not possible or unavailable. Currently in London, Connect Health is helping reduce NHS orthopaedic waiting list in the capital, with 1,000 patients now having access to PhysioNow® – picking up urgent needs, making available ongoing physiotherapy during the time they are waiting for elective care.
Andrew Walton, Group Executive Director, Connect Health said:
There is no doubting the tremendous pressure the health and care sector has been under and it is an honour to have been able to offer our support to all our NHS partners and patients in a variety of ways.
From supporting the frontline, offering virtual group rehabilitation and education sessions, digital apps for triage and treatment, virtual and telephone appointments, and the doubling of our student placement programme in order to train the workforce of the future. Constantly reviewing how we support our patients’ and colleagues’ safety and effectiveness, has been our number one priority and continues to be so.
David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said:
I’m delighted to be launching our new report, ‘Working together…during the second and third waves of the pandemic’ which showcases just some of the many inspiring partnerships between independent primary, community and diagnostic providers and the NHS during what has undoubtedly been the toughest winter in the health service’s history
Staff working in the independent community health sector really have gone above and beyond to deliver the best possible care for NHS patients – breaking down traditional organisational boundaries and collaborating in new and innovative ways with the NHS. This incredible work includes delivering support to Covid patients in the community, providing much needed remote appointments and consultations and helping to clear the growing backlog of routine NHS procedures.
While Covid cases have now thankfully reduced with pressures easing on the health service independent providers across the primary, community and diagnostics sector remain committed to supporting the NHS and building on this partnership working – locking in some of the key innovations that have come about during the pandemic and ensuring patients can access the care they need as the recovery of the health service continues.
Access the new report ‘Working together during the second and third waves of Covid19’
Access the previous report ‘Working together during Covid19’
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