Clair Watson, Gemma Hatton, Claire Websdell, Dr Foy-Yamah
As part of our #MyBTH campaign, we are highlighting individuals, teams or services that have an important role within the Trust.
Here we look at the role of the Combined Assessment and Treatment (CAT) Unit.
The CAT unit was formed in June 2016 and offers care across the Short Stay Ward and Acute Medical Unit (AMU).
The purpose of the unit is to get stable patients assessed, booked for same-day scans, X rays, ultrasounds etc if necessary and to get them home which improves patient flow from A&E and AMU and keeps beds free by drastically reducing admissions.
Patients come can come from A&E, an ambulance bleep and referrals from GPs and medics in the community.
The unit is made up of seven rotating nurse practitioners, one registrar and a rotating consultant all assessing and treated a minimum of 15 patients a day.
Trainee Nurse Practitioner, Gemma Hatton, said: “This unit is providing the best thing for the patients.
“They get seen quicker, they receive investigations quicker and ultimately which is good as most patients just want to go home as soon as they can.
“If investigations can’t be organised the same day, an appointment can be made to return at a later stage, but the patient can still go home.”
Clinical Matron, Sue Roberts said: “The introduction of the service has improved A&E Quality standards and has formed better inter-speciality working relationships.
Last year’s figures show that 85% of patients were discharged from the unit”
Acute Medicine Consultant, Dr Foy-Yamah said: “The CAT unit is the new service created to improve the quality of care to the patients.
“The unit has reduced admission rates of stable medical patients. These patients have quick assessment, investigations and treatment. Patients feedback of their experience who have been seen in the CAT unit have been excellent.”
Sue Bowen, Ward Manager said: “The CAT unit provides the best care for the patients due to the flexibility of the unit and the experienced nurse practitioners and advanced nurse practitioners, medical consultants and the established staff nurses and ward manager from the old Observation Ward.
“The team see approximately 15 to 20 patients a day and on average can see up to 100 patients per week. The success of the CAT unit is from the sheer hard work and dedication shown by all the CAT team.”
The unit operates from 7.30am to 9pm each day.