We all recognise the additional pressures which the Winter season places on our NHS. A system already under strain is now suffering even more as the colder months see an
increase in cases of Influenza, Strep A and Covid 19.
In an attempt to reduce the squeeze on emergency care during this time, NHS England released guidance and funding to support the implementation of Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) Hubs. In response to this the LLR Integrated Care Board launched a pilot ARI Hub for adults and children, which has been running successfully at The Willows Medical
Centre in Leicester.
LLR PCL has now supported the set up of a further 7 ARI Hubs which have now opened across the region. These will all continue to operate until 31st March, 2023.
The aim of the ARI Hubs is to support patients with urgent clinical needs by enhancing same-day assessments and providing specialist advice. As well as providing a more accessible service for the community, it is hoped that this will reduce ambulance call-outs, A&E attendances and hospital admissions for patients who could be appropriately managed in the community.
The ARI Hubs provide a same-day, face-to-face primary care assessment service for both children and adults who are suffering with an acute respiratory illness/complaint. Any GP in the region can refer a patient to any of the 7 additional Hubs, assuming that the patient’s condition does not require urgent hospital care. The Hubs are open from Monday to Friday and 15 minute appointment slots are available from 1.00 pm to 8.00 pm
The ARI Hubs are located at:
- North West Leicestershire: Castle Medical Group, Ashby & Long Lane Surgery, Coalville
- Charnwood: Charnwood Surgery, Mountsorrel, Loughborough
- City: East Leicester Medical Practice, LE5
- Leicester South: Pasley Road Health Centre, LE2
- Market Harborough & Bosworth: Market Harborough Medical Centre
- Rutland: Uppingham Surgery
- Hinckley & Bosworth: Maples Family Medical Practice, LE1