Referral and Assessment Team - Newham

The key function of the Referral and Assessment Team (R.A.T.) is to provide a holistic initial assessment of all new episodes of care referred to the Extended Primary Care Teams (EPCT) – Planned Care.

The R.A.T will ensure thorough and holistic assessments are undertaken, identify care needs, complete required actions such as equipment ordering, onward referrals and completing a detailed care plan for all patients who will require ongoing care.

The R.A.T will care for patients within the community, in their own residence including residential homes and will escalate to the Rapid Response (Unplanned care) where it is required to prevent a hospital admission where appropriate. The R.A.T will also fulfil the clinical triage component for all referrals to the EPCT Services.

The aim of the R.A.T, is to provide outstanding care, creating a seamless patient journey/experience. This will be achieved through effective multidisciplinary team working, comprising of registered & unregistered Nurses, Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists.

The R.A.T will work collaboratively with wider health & social care organisations, service users and careers.

The RAT will accept referrals for all Newham residents who fit the criteria community District Nursing and Therapy services and are registered with a Newham GP. Residents must be 18 years old and above.

For Planned Care, urgent referrals will receive a response within 24 hours; non-urgent referrals will be contacted within 72 hours or when the clinical input is due.

• Service Lead: Ade Adeosun
• Senior Manager: Gavin Shields, Lead Nurse