The critical care outreach team (CCOT) at Harefield Hospital is a nurse-led team that provides cover 24/7.
It is made up of clinical nurse specialists who have a background in intensive care. They are supported by an ITU/anaesthetic specialist registrar based in ITU, or an ITU/anaesthetic consultant based in HDU.
The team is led by Sarah Mitchell, lead nurse for critical care outreach and deteriorating patients, and Dr Jason Van Schoor, consultant in cardiothoracic anaesthesia and critical care.
The team’s aims and main responsibilities:
- To avert ICU admissions by reviewing any patient on the ward who triggers a NEWS2 score of >4 or 3 in 1 parameter. The CCOT reviews any patient of concern to the ward nurses, regardless of their NEWS2 score, including sepsis and AKI referrals. The team puts in place treatments and interventions so that patients avoid an ICU admission. If needed, they will facilitate an expedited ICU admission to ensure the patient has the best possible chance of recovery.
- To review all patients discharged from ICU and provide follow up care on the wards as needed.
- To promote critical care without borders by running the satellite hameofiltration service, and managing patients on the wards who have additional organ support such as inotropes/ vasopressors, CPAP/ BIPAP/ High Flow oxygen, tracheostomies or those with cardiac devices such as LVADs.
- To share critical care skills by running the Deteriorating Patient Workshop for ward nurses, conducting ad-hoc bedside teaching, running in situ simulations, and supporting ward staff looking after deteriorating patients.
- To act as members of the cardiac arrest team who respond to all arrest calls in the hospital.
- To ensure the eCPR service runs smoothly by going through the ‘Stop criteria’ before activating a shock call if appropriate.
- To respond to any concerns raised by relatives about the welfare of a patient in our hospitals. This is part of our Call if Concerned service.
Contact
Email: gstt.ccothh@nhs.net
Telephone: 01895 823737 ext. 5273 or Bleep 6229