Abstract
This paper describes how a Foundation Trust was able to meet emergency access targets. The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) was expanded from 29 to 81 beds and patients with expected length of stay (LOS) of less than 5 days were managed by the acute medical team only. Acute physicians provided twice-daily ward rounds on the expanded facility, including weekends, supported by specialist teams, allied healthcare professionals and investigation facilities. Within three weeks, the admission process had improved dramatically. Average LOS had decreased by 1.3 days and bed-occupancy was reduced from 98% to 91%. Having failed to achieve the 98% target for 4 consecutive months prior to these changes, the target was subsequently attained consistently. Re-admission rates, percentage mortality rate and numbers of complaints were unaffected.
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