Bracknell UCC: Enhancing patient outcomes and reducing pressure on A&E

Urgent Care Collaboration Improving Access

Bracknell UCC: Enhancing patient outcomes and reducing pressure on A&E

Location: Bracknell | Population: 56,000 patient appointments annually (approx) | Timeline: N/A

Challenge

  • Pressure on A&E departments, leading to long waiting times for urgent patients.
  • Need for more integration with local healthcare services for seamless patient journeys.
  • Ensuring that BUCC met national standards required for UTC status, including extended hours and on-site diagnostics.

What we did

We monitored performance, transitioned to UTC status, built local partnerships, invested in workforce and digital systems, and embedded quality and safety protocols.

Impact / Results

  • Reduction in unnecessary A&E visits, freeing up capacity for more critical cases.
  • Improved patient satisfaction with reduced waiting times.
  • Achieved significant milestones towards UTC status, including extended hours and on-site diagnostics.
  • Enhanced integration with local services, improving patient care coordination.

Read Full Case Study ...

Background:
Bracknell Urgent Care Centre (BUCC) is a facility dedicated to providing high-quality urgent care. The centre aimed to transition to a fully designated Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) while continuing to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the local community.


Challenge:
As the demand for urgent care services increased, BUCC faced the following challenges:





  • Pressure on A&E departments, leading to long waiting times for urgent patients.




  • Need for more integration with local healthcare services for seamless patient journeys.




  • Ensuring that BUCC met national standards required for UTC status, including extended hours and on-site diagnostics.




Objective:
The vision for BUCC was to provide patient-centered care while working towards becoming a fully designated UTC. The strategic goals aimed to:





  • Reduce pressure on A&E by providing an alternative for urgent care.




  • Improve patient outcomes through enhanced integration with local healthcare services.




  • Achieve national specifications for UTCs, including extended hours and access to diagnostics.




Action Plan:





  1. Provide Safe, Timely, and Effective Care:





    • Reduce pressure on A&E by offering high-quality, timely care for urgent patients.




    • Minimise waiting times and ensure appropriate care without the need for A&E visits.






  2. Achieve National Waiting KPIs:





    • Focused on meeting KPIs related to waiting times and patient satisfaction.




    • Regular monitoring of service performance to ensure KPIs are met and exceeded.






  3. Successfully Transition to UTC Status:





    • Worked towards meeting national specifications for UTCs, including providing extended hours and on-site diagnostic services.




    • Integrated services with NHS 111 to allow pre-booked appointments for urgent care.






  4. Enhance Integration with Local Services:





    • Strengthened partnerships with local GPs, hospitals, and community care providers to ensure smooth patient transitions and coordinated care.






  5. Promote a Culture of Excellence and Continuous Improvement:





    • Implemented a quality assurance program with regular audits and staff engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.




    • Ensured clinical governance and leadership to maintain high care standards.






  6. Invest in Workforce Development, Digital Infrastructure, and Service Innovation:





    • Invested in staff training and digital infrastructure to enhance service delivery and improve patient care.




    • Explored innovative practices and technologies, including AI and remote monitoring, to enhance care.






  7. Foster a Culture of Safety and Quality:





    • Prioritised patient safety with rigorous safety protocols.




    • Ensured continuous improvement in all aspects of service delivery, from clinical care to operational efficiency.






  8. Promote Awareness of Self-Care and Community Resources:





    • Educated patients on self-care practices and awareness of NHS 111 and other community services.






Outcomes:





  • Reduction in unnecessary A&E visits, freeing up capacity for more critical cases.




  • Improved patient satisfaction with reduced waiting times.




  • Achieved significant milestones towards UTC status, including extended hours and on-site diagnostics.




  • Enhanced integration with local services, improving patient care coordination.




Success Indicators:





  • Decreased A&E attendances, demonstrating that more patients were accessing appropriate care at BUCC.




  • Positive patient feedback on waiting times and quality of care.




  • Achievement of national KPIs and progress toward full UTC designation.




  • Stronger partnerships with local healthcare services, ensuring seamless patient journeys.