Essex emergency care 'way ahead'

Healthcare officials visited Essex emergency care on Wednesday

The way emergency care is being reformed in Essex "seems to be well ahead of the game," according to a healthcare watchdog.

Healthcare Commission officials praised the way emergency services were integrated with social services during a visit to the Ambulance Headquarters.

"This will undoubtedly help patients get the most appropriate type of care," said Commission Chief Anna Walker.

"The way Essex is reforming emergency care seems to be ahead of the game."

Ms Walker added: "The combination of emergency care practitioners running the out of hours service in many parts of the county, together with links to the NHS Direct and Social Service, which should see more patients treated in their own homes, is a tremendous improvement.

"Although maintaining traditional ambulance services is critical, developing other patient options is very important.

"It will mean that patients get the right treatment at the right time and in the right place for them," she said.