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Ivel Valley Commissioning Group Projects

Red Cross Project

IVCG has commissioned the Red Cross to provide care in the comfort of the patient's own home.

One of the main aspects of this service is the provision of urgent and responsive care that also provides an antidote to social exclusion.

Working in conjunction with the existing Rapid Intervention Team the Red Cross are providing a level of service that will enhance that provided by the nursing teams.

The provision of basic humanitarian aid to individuals, who have found themselves incapacitated, is an essential role that is often overlooked. Friendship, advice, reassurance and practical help are the cornerstones of this project.

Two services have been designed, the first is a transport home from hospital following an emergency A&E attendance, the Red Cross will pick up a patient from Bedford, Addenbrooke’s or Lister Hospitals within 2 hours of request from the A&E Staff. Patients who are unable to travel in a car will still be transported by the Patient Transport Services.

The second package is a home care package, that will provide companionship, assistance with navigating health and social care, as well as basic help such as shopping, meal preparation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for those with Chronic Lung Diseases

IVCG has been a key commissioner for new Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services across North, East and West Mid Bedfordshire.

This service (covering approx 200 patients per annum) is an evidenced based programme designed to enable greater self care and improve the quality of life for those living with Chronic Lung Diseases. This locally accessible service promotes independence with a reduced reliance on hospital care.

Cruse bereavement support

Practical help and support for those suffering bereavement, GP’s are able to access the Cruse team to provide services in the clients own home or neutral venue. Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss.

A drop in service is also available every month in Biggleswade.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Testing

IVCG have introduced GP Surgery based diagnostic tool to support in the diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The D-Dimer test is an easy, safe and evidenced blood test that can easily rule out a DVT in many cases therefore reducing anxiety and unnecessary trips to hospital.

Home Oxygen Assessment and Follow Up Service

There are in excess of 70 patients in the IVCG area dependant on long term oxygen therapy.

IVCG has commissioned Bedford Hospital to provide extensive assessment and follow up services in line with recommendations from The British Thoracic society. The Service provides patients and their GP’s with ongoing assistance in the management of their condition and the use of oxygen at home.

As part of this service IVCG has also secured the funding to purchase a Blood Gas Analyser for this service.

1Call: Single Point of Contact

This flagship service has been led and championed by IVCG and achieved finalist status in the prestigious Health Service Journal Awards 2009.

Patient’s carers and health professionals now require just one number (0845) to access a wide range of urgent and/or unscheduled care services provided to patients throughout the IVCG area and the NHS Bedfordshire area.

This has reduced the frustration and worries for patients in need of help and improved the speed with which health professionals can access services on the patient’s behalf.