Luke's Healthcare Improvement Plan
Luke will ensure all residents have access to high-quality, timely, and comprehensive healthcare services, with a focus on primary care, hospital services, and mental health.
Strengthening Primary Care Services
General Practitioners (GPs):
- Incentivise Recruitment: Work with NHS England to create attractive incentives for GPs to practice in Durham, including financial bonuses, housing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Retention Programs: Develop retention programs that focus on career progression, work-life balance, and ongoing training.
- Training Programs: Partner with local medical schools and universities to establish robust training programs and placements in Durham.
- Support Staff Expansion: Employ more practice nurses, physician associates, and administrative staff to support GPs and reduce their workload.
- Technology Integration: Invest in modern IT systems to streamline appointment booking, patient records management, and telehealth services.
- Facility Upgrades: Fund the renovation and expansion of existing GP practices to accommodate more patients and improve patient experience.
Dentists:
- Recruitment Campaigns: Launch targeted recruitment campaigns to attract dentists to the area, highlighting Durham’s community benefits and professional opportunities.
- Incentives for New Practices: Campaign for grants and subsidies for dentists to set up new practices in underserved areas.
- Mobile Dental Clinics: Implement mobile dental units to serve remote or underserved communities, ensuring all residents have access to dental care.
- Public Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns about the importance of regular dental check-ups and the availability of NHS dental services.
Enhancing Services at Durham Hospital
- Specialist Units: Develop specialised units for high-demand services such as maternity, oncology, and emergency care.
- Increase Staffing Levels: Recruit additional healthcare professionals, including nurses, specialists, and support staff, to ensure adequate staffing for all departments.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Ensure the hospital has a state-of-the-art EHR system for efficient patient data management.
- Telemedicine Services: Expand telemedicine services for follow-up appointments and consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits.
- Facility Upgrades: Regularly upgrade hospital infrastructure to maintain high standards of care and patient comfort.
- Emergency Services Enhancement: Expand and modernize the emergency department to handle increased patient volumes and provide timely care.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Establish robust patient feedback systems to continuously improve service quality based on patient experiences and suggestions.
- Holistic Care: Develop holistic care programs that address physical, mental, and emotional health needs.
- Preventive Care Initiatives: Launch preventive health programs focusing on chronic disease management, vaccination drives, and health education.
- Community Outreach: Engage with community organizations to deliver health services and education directly to residents.
Campaign for a New Mental Health A&E
- New Mental Health A&E: Campaign for the establishment of a dedicated Mental Health A&E in Durham to provide immediate, specialised care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
- Crisis Intervention: Ensure the facility is staffed with mental health professionals trained in crisis intervention and emergency psychiatric care.
- Holistic Approach: Offer integrated services that include psychiatric evaluation, counselling, and follow-up care to ensure comprehensive treatment.
- Coordination with Existing Services: Coordinate with existing mental health services and community organisations to create a seamless care pathway for patients.
- Community Engagement: Raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the availability of the new A&E through public campaigns and community events.
- Advocacy: Work with local and national health authorities to secure funding and policy support for the establishment of the Mental Health A&E.