Technology from Consultant Connect has been instrumental in keeping 150,000 elderly and frail patients out of the hospital last year. By connecting primary care clinicians with specialist consultants, the telemedicine provider’s technology is facilitating quicker communication and tailored expert advice for patients across the country.
In 2023 alone, 200,000 calls were made using Consultant Connect for elderly patients, resulting in 75% of cases not needing a hospital visit. The dedicated acute frailty line was particularly successful, with 5,000 calls made and 60% of patients treated without hospital admission.
Dr. Laura Godfrey, GP lead for Weymouth and Portland frailty team and a user of the technology, emphasized the importance of expert advice in determining the best course of action for patients with complex needs, sometimes avoiding unnecessary hospital visits.
Consultant Connect’s technology enables prompt care within minutes, significantly faster than traditional hospital switchboard calls. With 20 NHS trusts already benefitting from its support, including dedicated frailty pathways, patients are receiving the care they need sooner and avoiding lengthy hospital wait times.
Jonathan Patrick, CEO of Consultant Connect, highlighted the crucial role of their technology in improving communication between primary and secondary care, with calls answered in an average of 25 seconds. This efficiency ensures that patients receive timely care and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
