With the introduction of ARRS roles and the Enhanced Health in Care Home Framework from NHS England, Darlington PCN had a vision of a whole team of professionals supporting the patient on their journey into a care home and how their health and wellbeing needs could still be fulfilled. And so, the EHiCH Team was created. The team consists of 3 pharmacy technicians with weekly support session from a clinical pharmacist, 3 GPs and 3 care coordinators. We work closely with the trust care home team of ANP's to provide, safe, timely and effective care to the residents of all 29 care homes in the PCN.
ANP's provide reactive care for acute illness for a patient in the care home as well as the weekly ward round stipulated in the EHiCH Framework. They attend our monthly MDT's and provide vital information on clinical presentation.
Pharmacy Technicians provide the care staff with support, guidance and training in all aspects of medicine management. As part of the MDT process resident's will receive an annual review. The technician conducts a structured medication review based on the residents wishes and views and where applicable that of relatives, evidence-based prescribing or de-prescribing that is cost effective and safe.
Care Coordinators ensure each resident has a personalised care and support plan including personal health or wellbeing goals and will aim to support care staff and the resident to fulfil those goals. They ensure both the wishes and concerns of the resident and/ or their family are listened to and considered during the MDT decision process.
The project is aiming to be a long term feature of the PCN and the interventions and safeguarding we have been involved with demonstrates how much the service is needed. The outcomes from MDTs have ensured a holistic patient centred approach to care and have improved End of Life Care. The training needs and support of care staff identified has proven the technician support is vital to improve patient care and prevent medication errors. Wellbeing of our residents is supported by our care coordinators who support staff with activities and sourcing local volunteers improving mental wellness.
