The Rapid Response service, part of the Waltham Forest adult community health service, provides 24/7 urgent community response for patients, 18 years and over who are house bound, and experiencing a physical health crisis requiring an intervention otherwise be admitted to hospital.

The team comprises of nurses, paramedics, social worker, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. All referrals will be clinically assessed to determine urgency to enable treatment at home for acute episode of illness, thus avoiding the need for a hospital or A&E admission if safe to do so.

A clinician will provide a holistic assessment of a patient health and social care needs, arranging equipment and support as required, will liaise with other services where necessary to ensure patients are maintained safely in their home environment including care homes wherever possible.

Examples of conditions that can be managed at home are:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Exacerbation of long-term conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
• Cellulitis
• Chest infections
• Falls pick up (no injury or with minor injury)
• Sudden reduction in mobility
• Failure to cope
• End of life care
• IV antibiotic administrations (via hospital referral)

Contact our service in Waltham Forest

Rapid response team

Woodbury Unit, 1st Floor

James Lane

Leytonstone

E11 1NR

Tel: 0300 300 1710

Opening times: Rapid Response Service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Referrals

Referrals will be accepted via an email or a call from patient, formal/informal carers,  patient’s GP, Social Services, Community Matrons, NHS 111, NHS Trusts, London Ambulance Service (LAS) or other health care professionals.

For referrals to our adult community health services, click on the form to the right of this page.