Patients across Redbridge have given a resounding ‘thumbs up’ to new community services aimed at preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.

A survey commissioned by local GPs found recent users of new Community Treatment Teams (CTT) and the Intensive Rehabilitation Service (IRS) rated them 9.5 out of 10 and 9.6 out of 10 respectively for patient satisfaction.

The CTT provides short term intensive care and support for people experiencing a health or social care crisis so they can be cared for in their own home rather than in hospital.

The team also helps people get home as soon as possible if they do need a short stay in hospital or community unit.

The IRS means that rather than needing a stay in a community bed for rehabilitation people receive treatment in their own homes where appropriate.

Dr Anil Mehta, chair of Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP, said: “GPs are delighted that these services are proving so popular with the people who matter most, our patients.

“Nobody wants to spend time in hospital and many patients can get better treatment, or recover more easily, with this help at home.”

The support includes between one and four home visits every day depending on patient needs.

The NELFT receive around 300 referrals a week across Barking, Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge with 90 percent of patients over 65.

Latest figures show that 92 percent of patients supported by CTT do not go on to be admitted to hospital.

IRS is similarly successful with 91 per cent of patients able to recover at home without needing to go to hospital

Patients can be referred by their GP, local hospital or A&E, ambulance service or nursing home.

The teams also take referrals from individual patients, their friends or families.

Dr Mehta said: “We are making that support available for hundreds of people every week across our area so they can continue to live independent lives.

“By developing these services and bringing together health and social care, not only do patients get better care but, importantly, we are also helping reduce the pressure on local hospitals.”