Minutes:
The LAS update was provided by Philip Powell (LAS Stakeholder Engagement Manager).
Previously, performance was measured in the LAS differently. Response times were measured by using categories A, B and C, where A was the category where the response time was the most urgent. Fast response cars would be sent to category A calls, and then the ‘clock was stopped’ in terms of hitting the fast response time target. However, in most of these cases the ambulance would arrive 10-15 minutes later, and in the majority of these incidences the patient would still need conveying to hospital. The use of the fast response car was not necessarily the best option in terms of patient care.
Currently, instead of ‘ABC’ response categories, the response categories were 1,2,3. Category 1 calls were the most urgent and life threatening calls, but these calls only made up approximately 8%--9% of the total call volume. Category 1 calls had a response time target of 7 minutes. Most of the LAS work was responding to category 2 and 3 calls, with a required response time of 18 minutes. The ‘clock’ was only stopped now when the ambulance arrived at the patient’s location.
LAS was currently hitting the target for responding to category 1 calls, with an average response time of 6 minutes and 25 seconds. The average response time for category 2 calls was in the region of 15 minutes. So overall the LAS in Bromley was performing well.
Mr Powell mentioned the LAS preparations for the winter, which it was acknowledged seemed to be arriving later this year with the mild temperatures. However, the LAS had been busy for the whole of the summer period and subsequently. This was because of the ‘Beast from the East’ and the summer heatwave which were two extremes of weather that had arrived close together. The LAS had been preparing for winter since April.
The LAS was now trying to encourage people to look after themselves properly, so that they were prevented from becoming patients in the first place. A new process was in place for care homes and nursing homes. They were being encouraged to dial 111*6 and they would be able to speak to a clinician. It was hoped that in this way, some transfers to hospital could be avoided.
Ms Baldwin asked what the situation was with respect to hospital beds. Mr Powell responded that he felt that the PRUH was likely to struggle during the winter, but he was not able to provide a more definitive response as it was also the case that the PRUH would have contingency and escalation plans that could be adopted if required.
Mr Bill Kelly(LAS Bromley Group Manager) informed the Group that a trial of a Vulnerable Persons Vehicle would commence on Monday, December 3rd. Ms Baldwin stated that with respect to ‘homeless’ people on the streets (whether they were genuinely homeless or not) clarity and information was required so that people knew where to signpost these individuals to. It was suggested that this could be an issue that could be directed to the Health and Wellbeing Board for them to address.
RESOLVED that the LAS update be noted, and that the issue of providing signposting regarding homeless and vulnerable people be drawn to the attention of the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Post Meeting Note:
This resolution has been actioned and the matter has been drawn to the attention of the HWB