Sheffield Local Involvement Network

If you bump your knee and need medical help in Sheffield you could go through any of eight ‘doors’ looking for the help you need. The fragmented nature of what’s known as ‘unscheduled care’ is the subject of Sheffield LINk’s latest investigation.  

‘Unscheduled care’ is the term used for any unplanned or out-of-hours contact with the NHS by someone wanting help, care or advice. In addition to Accident & Emergency, this includes the Walk-in Centre, out-of-hours GP services, the Minor Injuries Unit, community services and emergency dental appointments. 

Responding to issues raised by the public about this, LINk recently set up an Unscheduled Care Action Group. It plans to review all the components of Sheffield’s unscheduled care system, what each one provides and those it is designed to help. There is also some evidence that the public needs help understanding which service is most appropriate in which circumstance. Therefore, it will also look at what communication would help steer people toward the best option.

Speaking about this work, Mike Smith, Chair of the Action Group, said “we’d really like to hear real stories about unscheduled care from real people. NHS Sheffield admits that the current system is fragmented offering lots of different options for people but with little integration. We’d like to find out people’s own experiences and any suggestions they have”.

To share your story, please contact us LINk or have your say online.