Patients with oncology or haematology conditions in Northern Lincolnshire are to benefit from a new emergency service aiming to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
NHS Humber Health Partnership is expanding its triage service at the Queen’s Centre Acute Assessment Unit (QCAAU) for patients experiencing acute problems relating to their oncology or haematology conditions.
The service, currently helping patients in Hull and the East Riding, will now be expanded to help patients living south of the Humber, who will be given contact details once they begin treatment.
Sister Kirsty McDonagh, who manages the QCAAU, said a Senior Nurse Co-ordinator and Triage Assistant will staff the triage service 24/7 from April to help patients avoid unnecessary hospital admissions or visits to Emergency Departments in Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Hull.
“We triage patients undergoing oncology and haematology treatment to determine whether they need to come to us, need direct admissions into wards or other services, if they require pharmacy or if they need to contact their GP for ongoing issues,” she said.
“This expansion means we can create a single point of access triage for patients from both Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals.
“Very often, these patients are keen to avoid stays in hospital so they can remain at home with their families so it’s essential that we try to meet their wishes while ensuring they get the right care in the right place at the right time.”
Mum-of-three Amy Richards has used the Acute Assessment Unit at the Queen’s Centre for the past three years.
Amy, 39, was diagnosed with breast cancer around 10 years ago and was diagnosed with a recurrence during her remission. Since the chemotherapy for her second diagnosis ended Amy, who lives in East Hull with her husband and three children, now aged 10, 11 and 16, has used the QCAAU regularly for a complication linked to chemotherapy.
“It’s an absolutely amazing place,” she says. “I have every confidence in their expertise and professionalism and everyone is so welcoming and pleasant.
“Instead of going to a GP who doesn’t know my history and might feel they have to start from the basics to get to an appropriate outcome, the staff in the unit know me, know my history and are the experts in cancer treatment and care and I have always been treated quickly in relation to issues linked to cancer related treatment.”
Now cancer free, Amy says “There’s continuity of care here and I have so much confidence in the unit. I’ve been incredibly well looked after throughout my treatment and ongoing care by my Oncology Consultant, all staff in the Queen’s Centre and linked specialities.
“My appreciation and thanks for the services at the QCAAU, to Dr Mansoori and all of the staff here is immeasurable, as is the dedication and passion of the team of staff and volunteers.”
