NHS Emergency & Urgent Care 2024

The panel will delve into optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of ambulance services and patient transport systems within the NHS. Experts will discuss strategies to reduce response times, improve coordination, and integrate advanced technologies such as GPS tracking and telehealth to enhance patient care during transit. Topics include the management of high-demand periods, the role of non-emergency patient transport services, and collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure seamless patient transfers. Attendees will gain insights into policy developments, operational best practices, and future innovations to strengthen ambulance services and patient transport networks.

This panel will explore strategies to enhance the NHS's ability to manage increased demand and unexpected crises. Experts will discuss the development of robust frameworks for system-level resilience, focusing on scalable resources, cross-sector collaboration, and the use of predictive analytics to anticipate and respond to surges in patient volumes. Key topics include optimising bed management, improving staff allocation, and leveraging technology to ensure continuity of care. This panel aims to provide actionable insights into creating a more adaptable and responsive healthcare system capable of withstanding future pressures and ensuring high-quality patient care.

Here thought leaders will explore the implementation and benefits of virtual wards in the NHS, a model designed to deliver hospital-level care at home. This innovative approach leverages digital technology and remote monitoring to manage patients with acute conditions, reducing hospital admissions and alleviating pressure on physical wards. Experts will discuss the impact of virtual wards on patient outcomes, healthcare efficiency, and system resilience. Key topics include the integration of telemedicine, patient and caregiver engagement, and strategies for scaling virtual ward programmes. Attendees will gain insights into best practices and future directions for expanding this transformative model of care.

This discussion will address strategies to streamline the discharge process in NHS emergency and urgent care settings, aiming to improve patient flow and resource utilisation. Key leaders will discuss innovative approaches such as enhanced discharge planning, multidisciplinary team coordination, and the use of digital tools for real-time communication and patient tracking. Topics will include reducing delays, ensuring safe transitions to home or community care, and leveraging community resources to support discharged patients. Attendees will gain insights into best practices and policy initiatives that can expedite discharge processes, enhance patient outcomes, and alleviate hospital overcrowding.

This discussion will address the critical challenges and innovative solutions in restoring and enhancing urgent and emergency care services within the NHS. With emergency departments seeing a 9% rise in attendances in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels, and ambulance response times increasing by an average of 11 minutes, the need for effective recovery strategies is clear. The recent £1 billion funding package aims to alleviate these pressures by supporting the integration of technology, boosting workforce resilience amid a 10% staff shortage, and streamlining patient care pathways. Key leaders will discuss these topics, providing insights into policy changes, best practices, and future directions for a sustainable recovery.