The challenge and approach
The Macmillan Consultant support is a great initiative that has made such a positive impact during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Sally Chambers is supporting Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership for 12 hours per week and links in with the Macmillan nurses twice weekly to identify any patients whom may need support with pain and symptom management.
Sally undertakes reviews of patients care via telephone and also through visiting patients at home.
Sally works two days at St Luke’s Hospice and now two extra days in the community, this not only strengthens links between partners but also improves communication between the two areas, with demonstrable quality and improvements in continuity and patient care.
The broader palliative care team of District Nurses and therapists benefit from this new initiative also. If nurses or therapists have any concerns regarding one of their patients, they can be discussed in the Community Palliative Multidisciplinary Team meeting (MDT).
This is held regularly through Microsoft Teams on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
Next steps
- Sustain the provision of the virtual consultant role to Macmillan nurses
- Continue to actively promote the opportunity to discuss patients at MDT with nursing and therapy colleagues.
