WED 028 One person can make a difference: our experience in a busy london dgh. Issue 10 (13th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lalloo, Aadila; Raheem, Bazo; Cocco, Giovanni; Guzman, Ana; Rose, Michael; Niccolini, Flavia; Silber, Eli
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 89:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: A5
• Page End: A5
• Publication Date: 2018-09-13
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-ABN.17
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Our Neurology unit is in a busy district general hospital; serving a deprived inner London community, providing a ward consultation service 5 days a week. The unit consists of 5 consultant Neurologists, a consultant Neuroradiologist and 2 specialist nurses. In 2016, a junior doctor was appointed. By analysing data from 10 months in 2015 and 2017; we assessed the impact on the delivery of Neurological care, before and after the appointment. The unit saw a 157% increase in number of patients seen, including a significant proportion now seen in ED and ambulatory care. This is equivalent to a minimum of 2 more patients each working day (n=872 vs. 1317). The percentage of patients seen on same day of referral (<12 hours) increased from 47% to 77%. The proportion of inpatients reviewed who were then followed up on the ward during their stay, increased from 13.9% to 35.5%, representing increased availability of continuing Neurology advice. The percentage of patients who waited more than 24 hours for Neurology input decreased from 14.9% to 5.83%. Our results support the appointment of a full time junior colleague to allow rapid, safe and ongoing Neurological input to patients and to support ED and admitting colleagues.