Evaluation of the Midlands Urgent and Emergency Care Vanguards


Client: NHS Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group

SQW was commissioned in 2017 to evaluate the work of The Greater Nottinghamshire, Solihull, and Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Vanguards. The UEC Vanguards are all working to improve the outcomes and efficiency of urgent and emergency care, by bringing together providers and commissioners to introduce new pathways and ways of working.

The three Midlands Cluster sites all introduced new integrated urgent care models, improving linkages between primary, secondary and community care, and seeking to provide the right care, in the right place and at the right time. Specific workstreams included a focus on mental health, primary care in emergency departments, and the introduction of clinical navigators to support patients to access the most appropriate support.

The evaluation captured evidence of impacts and learning emerging from all three of the sites, providing site specific and overarching insights for local partners and NHS England. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative research including surveys and interviews with staff and patients, analysis of secondary data and an economic assessment.