Rapid Access Care Unit to open in Henley on 23 January

Date: 19 January 2017

Townlands Hospital

A pioneering service is to open its doors for the first time next week.

The Rapid Assessment Care Unit (RACU), within the Townlands Memorial Hospital in Henley-on-Thames, is set to open on Monday (23 January 2017).

The RACU is a consultant and GP-led service which will enable patients to be quickly assessed, treated and receive rehabilitation support without having to be admitted to hospital.

The RACU will support patients aged 18 or over who have been referred to its service by health professionals in the area. The health needs of the local area mean it is likely the majority of people helped by the RACU will be over 65. Patients will be referred to the unit by health professionals from across the region.

Dr Alison Espley, Associate Specialist, and Dr Victoria Britton, a locum consultant will lead a multi-disciplinary team of specialised health and social care professionals such as nurses, community nurses, physiotherapy and occupational therapy practitioners, social care coordinators, hospital and mental health staff. It will be managed by Clinical Nurse Lead Kirsty Blee. All staff working at the RACU will be trained in dementia.

Clinical Lead Kirsty Blee said: "The RACU will make shorter, same day treatments available locally for patients who will be able to benefit from expert clinical professional care and support, helping to avoid a stay away from home in the hospital away from family and friends."

Roger Dickinson, Chair of the Townlands Stakeholder Reference Group, linked to Oxfordshire CCG said: "We are pleased to see the RACU will be opening to patients next week. We have worked closely with the NHS to support this work. We hope this new service will provide excellent care for people in Henley who require medical intervention to get better and avoid them having to be admitted to hospital."

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  • Summary:

    A pioneering service is to open its doors for the first time next week.

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