How transformed Hartlepool health unit is making a huge difference by reducing hospital visits during pandemic

The number of patients treated has also doubled as a result of changes over the last 10 weeks at the Holdforth Unit which is based at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The unit has previously been used as a rehabilitation ward for patients who are staying in hospital, and often for several days.

It has now become a central hub from where patients are cared for in their own homes and care homes.

Patients are only invited into the unit when the treatment they need can not be performed out of the hospital.

Jaime Wheatley, deputy matron, said: “Many of our patients can get the treatment they need from their own living rooms. Something which is a huge benefit at a time of social distancing and self-isolation.

“The team has thought innovatively about how we can create new pathways to help improve patient care.

“Patients who are not high risk can still visit the unit when appropriate, in a safe environment where they can still maintain social distancing.”

The team can visit people out in their homes and care homes to carry out treatment such as catheter removals, asthma injections and iron infusions.

When patients do need hospital treatment, the service has made changes which means they can be treated in hospital at Hartlepool rather than having to go to the University Hospital of North Tees.

These include deep vein thrombosis which is a blood clot in the leg or arm, and cellulitis reviews for a skin infection which is treated with antibiotics.

Jaime added: “Our staff are in the unit, where they are ready to pick up referrals when needed and can quickly be able to travel to patients.

“We are treating more patients and in a way which is safer for them.

“I’d like to thank the whole team for their dedication and commitment in helping create such a successful initiative.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.