Intermediate care. It takes two

An intermediate care scheme launched by a primary care trust in April 2000 is now receiving 90 referrals a month, mainly from GPs and community staff. Patients receive an assessment within two hours of referral and care within four hours. Patients can refer themselves and ambulance crews can also refer patients to the scheme, preventing hospital admissions. The scheme operates from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week and it is hoped to extend it to 24 hours.