Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust has 35% less emergency re-admissions this year (From News Shopper)

Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust has 35% less emergency re-admissions this year

3:42pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Mark Chandler

LEWISHAM Healthcare NHS Trust has seen a 35 per cent reduction this year in re-admissions to its emergency department.

The figure refers to the number of people who need to re-visit 30 days after receiving emergency treatment.

Director of acute and elderly medicine Dr Liz Aitken, said: "Since Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust was formed, a major area of focus has been ensuring that patients get the right follow-up care after they have been unwell – keeping people healthy, independent and out of hospital. 

"For example, we now treat people with breathing problems in their own homes after hospital admission, which is better for the patient and saves taxpayers’ money by freeing up hospital beds."

Chairwoman of Lewisham’s Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Helen Tattersfield said: "The reduction in emergency readmissions is a significant achievement, and shows the benefits for patients of receiving joined-up local care and services. 

"While the NHS used to traditionally focus on treating people when they become ill, we are doing much more locally to stop people from falling ill in the first place."