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GP trial at Thames starts well

GP trial at Thames starts well

None of the patients fast tracked through Thames Hospital's emergency
department by a general practitioner as part of a three-month pilot
required a referral to emergency department specialists.

The pilot began in Thames on 8 January where Thames Medical Centre GP
Steven Gunn treated 22 people. Last Saturday (January 15) Dr Brendon
Aish saw 16 people, replacing the Thames medical centre's weekend clinics.

"GPs are skilled in quickly assessing a patient's need and offering
appropriate treatment," said Dr Aish.

Patients presenting to the emergency department when the GP is present
are first triaged by an ED nurse and if suitable for the GP service, are
"fast tracked" through this option.

"On both days no patients offered fast tracked needed a referral to the
ED team. This is an indication of how well the initial ED triage system
is working."

People needing after hours primary care services at weekends are
reminded to phone their GP surgery first before attending the ED. Their
call will be answered by a trained nurse who will be able to give them
advise on whether they need to go to the ED or if they can wait to see
their doctor on Monday. In emergencies people should continue to phone 111.

The initiative is a three-month pilot, funded by Waikato DHB, aimed at
reducing the after hours demand on GPs and assist with the increasing ED
workload, particularly over summer.

Thames Hospital serves a regional population of approximately 35,000 and
a summer influx of in excess of 150,000 people.

GP Brendon Aish discusses options with patient Chris Hovell at
Thames Hospital's ED.

ENDS

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