The next Long Term Health and Care Strategic Group Meeting will be held on Wednesday 2nd July, 2–4pm (venue TBC). 

Topic: A&E & long-term health conditions – what we already know, what else is out there to support people & how can we spread the word? 

Meeting Objectives: 

· Review current data and insights related to A&E attendance & residents with long term health conditions to understand why people attend.

· Better understand the work of local VCS organisations supporting residents with long term health conditions - explore how voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations currently support residents with long-term health conditions, including where and how they signpost individuals to additional services.

·Hear alternative ways in which residents can receive the support they need without needing to go to A&E – including services like nonclinical navigators and duty doctors.

· Strengthen joint working across health and community partners to help residents stay well and receive the most appropriate care in the best setting.

Speakers:

Anna McEvoy, Urgent and Emergency Care Performance Manager at Homerton University Hospital 

Anna Hanbury, Head of Age Well at City & Hackney Place Based Partnership

Charlotte Painter, Head of Age Well at City & Hackney Place Based Partnership

Cindy Fischer, Senior Manager, Unplanned Care at City & Hackney Place Based Partnership

Marc Balkham, Carers Service Manager at City & Hackney Carers Centre

Mary-Ann Foxwell, CEO at Age UK East London

Interactive Group Discussions:

The session will include group discussions to share experiences, highlight good practice, and explore how to better communicate alternatives to A&E.

Discussion topics will include:

• Common issues or crisis that might lead residents to A&E – and which communities are most affected.
• Real-world examples of how services have helped residents avoid A&E – and the lessons we can learn.
• Barriers residents face in understanding or accessing alternatives to A&E – and how we can tailor communication to address these.
• Ways to ensure messaging is clear, accessible, and inclusive for all communities.
• Opportunities to better connect services with local health teams (e.g. GPs, emergency departments, nonclinical navigators) – including practical steps to improve coordination.

Click here for the agenda.

To access the minutes, group feedback, and presentations from the last meeting, please click here.