University of Sheffield launches ambulance services report

A report reviewing the level of care given by ambulance services has been launched at the University of Sheffield.

Leading researchers from the University’s School of Health and
Related Research (ScHARR) contributed to the review
conducted by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

The
volume of 999 calls for ambulances has more than doubled in the last 10
years, and in 2014-15, a record nine million calls were received in
England.

At the same time, there have also been parallel increases in
other parts of the emergency care system, with rising numbers of NHS 111
calls, Accident and Emergency department attendances and unplanned
admissions to hospitals.

Janette Turner, Reader in Emergency and Urgent Care Research at
ScHARR, conducted a study used in the review examining why demand on the
ambulance service has dramatically increased.

She said: “It is well known that demand for emergency services is increasing,”

“We know some of the reasons for this increased demand, reflecting wider pressures on health and care services.

“These include people living longer with the number of people over 75
attending Emergency Departments tripling over the last 20 years.”

She added: “Other factors include health needs such as chronic
conditions, socioeconomic factors such as isolation and loneliness, lack
of social support and deprivation and the supply of local services.

“There is little research overall in this area and the relationship between these and demand for services is not yet known.”

A number of studies conducted by leading academics
from ScHARR are amongst 40 papers featured in the themed review of
research funded by the NIHR in the last 10 years.

Suzanne Mason, Professor of Emergency Medicine at ScHARR, contributed
her findings evaluating the impact of Emergency Care Practitioners in
different UK health settings on patient pathways.

She said: “In the past, ambulances transported all patients to hospital. Now
some ambulances treat up to half of all 999 cases at the scene,”

“The change in the nature of work has been driven by rising demand
and changes in technologies and remit, beyond immediate life-threatening
conditions.

“At the same time, new specialist roles have developed requiring
particular training and knowledge including advanced practitioners, who
can assess and treat patients with minor injuries or conditions on the
spot without necessarily referring them to other services.”

More than 70 researchers, health care professionals and patients
attended the launch of the report at Firth Hall yesterday.