Critical Care Outreach
The Critical Care Outreach (CCORT) service is a team of five nursing staff, all experienced for many years in the care of acutely ill patients, who work within all areas of the hospital as part of a ‘multidisciplinary organisational approach to ensure patients who are or have the potential to become acutely unwell, receive the right care, at the right time irrespective of their location in the hospital’. We achieve this by providing clinical hands on support and guidance to ward nurses and doctors when the condition of a patient deteriorates.
Education is a key part of the role to ensure ward staff have the skills and knowledge to care for acutely ill patients. We provide bedside teaching and formal education in the classroom, regarding the recognition and management of the clinically deteriorating patient, based on nationally recognised guidance.
We work closely with the Intensive Care Unit, ensuring the timely admission and discharge of patients, whilst providing follow up care on the wards and at outpatient clinics to assess the impact of the patient’s critical care stay on their physical, psychological and social life.
What services are provided?
- Assessment of and implementation of treatment for acutely ill patients
- Provision of follow up support for patients transferred to general ward areas from critical care environment
- Support for patients requiring Non Invasive ventilation
- Support for patients with tracheostomys
- Education to all levels of clinical staff on assessing and treating the deteriorating hospital patient
- Research and audit relating to patients with acute illnesses.
- Write and implement local and national guidance relating to acute illness.
How can I get a referral?
Patients are referred either via a physiological trigger system called the ‘Early Warning Scoring System’ (EWSS) or directly via staff if they are concerned about a patient. Referrals can be made by medical, nursing and allied health care professionals working in the JPUH who are concerned that the condition of their patient may be deteriorating.
Key staff
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Bridget Inyang
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Michelle Mantripp