‘Good performance should not simply mean lower admission rates’ – SAM president (13 May)

Commenting in the HSJ on analysis which shows around 15 per cent of emergency admissions at some trusts are potentially avoidable, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said:

“Variation in potentially avoidable admissions between trusts is likely to reflect a combination of factors, including local access to alternatives such as same day emergency care, virtual wards and community services, alongside wider operational pressures.

“In some hospitals, SDEC capacity has been reduced or areas are being used for admitted patients because of bed pressures, or used inappropriately as a streaming service, thus limiting their ability to avoid admission as intended.

“Overcrowding also makes hospitals less efficient. Safe discharge takes time, including senior decision-making and community support. When services are under sustained strain, admission can become the quickest and perceived lowest-risk option operationally.

“Good performance should not simply mean lower admission rates but ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right setting, safely.”

https://www.hsj.co.uk/quality-and-performance/revealed-hospitals-with-the-highest-avoidable-admissions/7041694.article