PCN respiratory hub provides 608 appointments in a month

A Somerset respiratory hub run by a PCN has provided more than 600 same-day appointments in a month and helped divert patients from A&E.

The hub, a partnership between Yeovil PCN and Somerset ICB, opened on January 13 with funding from the ICB to run for six weeks. In its first month, it provided 608 appointments which, according to the ICB, ‘has freed up appointments at local GPs who are often seeing up to half of their patients having respiratory conditions at this time of year. It is also helping us divert patients into the service who may call an ambulance or attend A&E.’

Based at Hendford Lodge Medical Centre, Yeovil, the hub offers up to 250 same-day appointments a week. Yeovil PCN runs the service, which is delivered by three locum GPs. It is open to all patients registered with Yeovil GP practices from Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm, to try and manage the surge in respiratory illnesses over winter.

Yeovil PCN manager, Jenna Malcolm, said: ‘During winter, respiratory illnesses such as flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) become more prevalent. In December alone, nearly 740 patients contacted their GP in Yeovil with respiratory concerns—far exceeding the usual numbers we experience.

‘In response to this growing demand, we established the respiratory hub at Hendford Lodge Medical Centre. This service ensures that any patient registered with a Yeovil GP practice who experiences symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory distress can be assessed and receive same-day treatment.’

Patients in the Yeovil area can be referred into the hub by local GPs, Yeovil District Hospital A&E and by South West Ambulance Foundation Trust (SWASFT). The hub is also collaborating with system partners in the Respiratory Hospital at Home hub to provide follow on care for those patients eligible for the service. 

Dr Philip Hine, GP partner at Hendford Lodge Medical Centre, said: ‘The respiratory hub has made a real difference for patients, ensuring that anyone with suspected respiratory issues is seen promptly while allowing GP practices to maintain their focus on routine patient care. The high number of patients seen within just one month shows the critical role of innovative solutions like this in addressing seasonal pressures on the NHS.’

Dr Bernie Marden, chief medical officer at NHS Somerset, which funded the hub, said: ‘With flu, RSV, and other viruses putting extra pressure on NHS services, the respiratory hub is an important addition this winter. It makes sure patients get the right care when they need it, while also taking some of the strain off GPs and on our hospitals.’

The ICB is evaluating the scheme to assess whether it will bring the hub back next winter.