Saturday 3 December 2011
Audit finds that many emergency admissions to hospital could be avoided
Data showing that many unplanned emergency admissions to hospital are avoidable for patients with neuromuscular conditions has been highlighted by BBC News today.
The data, which is part of an audit of hospital admissions being carried out by Professor Mike Hanna, was presented at an NHS workshop on Thursday and shows that between 37 - 42% of emergency admissions could have been avoided if patients had been able to access the right specialist support.
Access to specialist teams, emergency plans, specialist physiotherapy and vital equipment such as orthotics and cough assist machines were all highlighted as important factors in preventing emergency admissions, which are often the result of things such as falls or respiratory infections. The vital role of the Neuromuscular Care Advisor in helping patients to access this support has also been highlighted. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is delighted that our campaigning has helped to secure twice the number of Care Advisors that there were in 2008, but will continue to campaign to make sure that all patients who need this support can access it.
Professor Hanna said:
This data indicates that a significant proportion of emergency admissions could have been avoided.
Neuromuscular conditions are progressive and it is crucial that patients receive ongoing input from a co-ordinated multidisciplinary team of specialist health professionals to manage changing symptoms, to reduce complications and to provide expert advice on equipment and treatments.
Robert Meadowcroft, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Chief Executive, commented on the findings, saying:
Patients are missing out on vital specialist healthcare services and support.
It is appalling that the NHS is being so short-sighted in its approach that we're in a situation where children and adults are needlessly becoming critically ill.
For more information on Professor Hanna's audit, please get in touch:
020 7803 2865
campaigns@muscular-dystrophy.org
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