Last year Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) nurse-led Alcohol Care Team (ACT) helped more than 2,500 patients by providing advice and specialist assessments for those with alcohol and drug dependency.
Since the service was set up in 2021, the team have helped reduce emergency hospital admissions. In 2022 the team saved 472 bed-days helping free up hospital beds for other patients in need.
The team provides specialist support and interventions for alcohol-dependent patients and those presenting with acute intoxication or other drug and alcohol-related complications.
The service provides psychosocial intervention and liaises with community services, to deliver an integrated approach, to provide patients with care that improves the likelihood of remaining alcohol-free.
The team supports patients in our Emergency Department and inpatients at both the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital.
Patients are referred to the team if it is suspected they are dependent on drugs or alcohol or if they have a high drug or alcohol intake.
When a patient is referred, one of the specialist nurses will carry out an assessment. The team can prescribe anti-craving medication, to help overcome the initial withdrawal symptoms, and work with the patient to provide advice and education whilst in the hospital.
ACT works closely with community services and refers patients to the most suitable service so they can continue to access support when they leave the hospital.
Clinical lead for the service, Alan Davis, said: “Drugs and alcohol are often a symptom of a bigger problem. The first time we see a patient can have the biggest impact on them.
“It’s not just about treating the dependence on alcohol but trying to help with the things in people’s lives that have led to harmful drinking.
“Our job is to ensure patient safety whilst in hospital and provide wrap-around care to ensure patients get the long-term help they need when they leave.
“Having a specific ACT team allows longer specialist nurse interactions to really benefit patients and give them the targeted help they need.”
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s Medical Director, Dr Keith Girling said: “The work the specialist Alcohol Care Team does is fantastic. It’s great to see it’s making a real difference to our patients across Nottingham.
“While we are delighted to have reduced bed days and admissions, this service has always been about patients, ensuring they receive the most appropriate care and enabling them to get longer-term community support if they require it.”
NUH’s Alcohol Care Team operates seven days a week and is part of the Trust’s work to help tackle health inequalities.
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