A HAMPSHIRE NHS joint venture has bagged a national award for an innovative method of treating patients at home. 

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and South Central Ambulance Service collectively brought the award home, acknowledged at the annual Our Health Heroes Awards on April 16.

Their effective use of rapid point-of-care testing (PoCT) in diagnosing patients at home in as little as four minutes significantly slashed unnecessary hospital admissions.

This integration has expedited and informed decision-making for older adults, especially critical where timely diagnosis and treatment are required. PoCT provides a swift solution to potential care delays that can have significant ramifications.

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Consultant nurse Abigail Barkham said: "It feels great to win this award. It's an exciting innovation. And I’d like to thank all colleagues in across Hampshire hospitals, the ambulance service, and Southern health for working together to deliver it."

Paula Hull, director of nursing and allied health professionals said: "This service is a great example of nurses and allied health professionals leading the way, learning new skills, and implementing technologies to improve care for older people in our communities.

"We will be able to start people’s treatment much sooner and improve their condition and experience of care at the same time. I have seen this in practice first hand and the enthusiasm in this team is infectious!"

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John Ayling, head of service for specialist practice of South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said: "This latest award is a testament to the innovation of the partnership and the professionalism of all the staff involved. SCAS is very proud of our Specialist Practitioners and the work they have contributed to this very successful initiative."