New medical admissions service
Dr Abraheem Abraheem
Opinion
By Dr Abraheem Abraheem, consultant cardiologist, BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Manchester
With increased pressures in the health sector and a growing ageing population, we are seeing more and more patients in need of medical care.
But what can sometimes be difficult is establishing the best course of medical care for our patients – whether that is a course of medication or a referral into a clinic or onto a consultant.
If your patient needs treatment for an illness, if they are suffering from multiple conditions and need some medical care, if they need rehabilitation or if they simply need further diagnostic investigations to get to the bottom of what’s wrong, admitting your patient into a general medical team could be the best option for them.
Quick diagnosis
Medical admissions can be particularly effective for patients in need of a quick diagnosis. For many who have multiple issues and feel generally unwell, they can get to the bottom of what’s wrong within 24 hours with the reassurance of 24-hour medical care.
It’s also beneficial for patients who have a long-term health issue, such as backache that has suddenly worsened.
However, according to new research commissioned by BMI Healthcare, many GPs aren’t aware of some of the general medical options available for their patients, with 50% of those surveyed unaware that BMI Healthcare has a general medical admissions service at a number of its hospitals.
The research also found that GPs currently refer general medical patients to the NHS or privately on average three times per week, with the most common general medical conditions including elderly medical care, infections, diabetes, asthma and falls.
Mutiple problems
In addition to this, I tend to find that the majority of elderly patients who come through a general medical service have multiple problems. We therefore often have patients who are generally feeling unwell but are unable to pin down what is wrong.
For patients such as this, the last thing they want is to be pushed to the back of the line at A&E, because it is not the right place for them, or to be added to a waiting list to see a specialist.
Through a general medical service, the patient can be admitted instantly and have peace of mind that they are receiving fast and efficient treatment and the medical care they need.
BMI’s research also found that the top three most important considerations for GPs when referring patients into a medical service are:
- A fast and efficient admission process (32% stated this);
- 24/7 access (31% stated this);
- A service they can trust in (19% stated this).
But less than a third (30%) of GPs are satisfied with the NHS general medical service,suggesting there is a gap in the market for a service that accommodates the requirements of GPs and patients.
BMI Healthcare recently launched a new general medical admissions service offering patients who require medical care somewhere to turn to.
The new service, which is initially available across 14 of BMI Healthcare’s hospitals, is led by a team of consultant general physicians to provide round-the-clock care and treatment for a broad range of conditions and illnesses.
Efficient process
The BMI general medical admissions service provides 24/7 direct access with a fast and efficient admission process.
It is consultant-led so all patients have the reassurance that they are being cared for by an experienced consultant physician, backed by medically trained nurses, physiotherapists, occupational health therapists, providing high-quality, personalised care.
Patients also have the comfort of their own private ensuite bedroom so that they can focus on what’s important: getting better.
You can admit your patients for medical care directly through calling the medical team at your local BMI Healthcare hospital and answering a few questions to ensure they are suitable for admission.
Once admission is agreed, your patient can make their way to the hospital, where they will be assessed by their consultant physician within four hours of admission. The service is insurer-approved, but patients should check with their insurance company before proceeding with any treatment. Alternatively, patients can choose to pay for themselves.
To refer your patients into BMI Healthcare’s general medical service, visit: www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/healthcare-professionals/general-medical-admissions.