Contact us
Contact the Local Referral Unit (east Kent only).
Looking for services in west Kent? Visit Home Treatment Services.
Who we are
We are a community team led by consultants from the Community Frailty Team and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. We are supported by advanced clinical practitioners, nurses and therapists; working in collaboration with GPs. The service forms part of a wider urgent care service with our partners.
What we do
We provide acute assessment and medical management for patients in their home or care home.
We provide individualised treatment to frail patients in crisis in east Kent. We agree a plan with the referrer and the patient and if required, the patient will be treated in their own home.
The service’s ultimate aim is to avoid patients being admitted to an acute hospital by diagnosing, assessing and treating patients. The service runs as a virtual ward, with patients under the care of the lead clinician.
The service works closely with hospital discharge teams and GPs to support early discharge of patients and provide a step-down service for those who are ready to leave hospital.
How do you use this service?
You need to be referred by a GP, healthcare professional or care home professional to use this service.
Information for referrers
We accept referrals for patients who are acutely unwell and are:
- in an acute hospital bed with a need to facilitate discharge
- at home
- in a care home.
Referrals can be made by hospital teams, ambulance crews, primary care, community teams, out of hours providers and care homes.
Please contact:
Local Referral Unit
0300 123 4498
kentchft.ekreferralunit@nhs.net
February 2024
January 2024
East Kent
May 2023
May 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
January 2023
January 2023
September 2022