Is this Service for you?
Many of our patients have told us of the difficulties
they have experienced in attaining good care within their existing health
care systems, both in the UK and abroad. They are frustrated at having
to travel to multiple centres for assessments, experience lengthy waits
in hospital outpatient clinics and receive inconsistent care from ever-changing
and unmotivated staff. Many complain that they cannot get timely appointments
and that their wound is not being cared for in a coordinated and caring
fashion.At London Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Centre we implement a patient-satisfaction
orientated approach.
Hyperbaric Nurse
Liz Hales
We aim to;
· Provide the highest possible quality of care in a safe and friendly
manner
· Speed up the healing process in chronic wounds and injuries
· Increase Quality of Life through relief from suffering and inconvenience
· Reduce the likelihood of limb amputation
Choice at Referral
Giving patients more choice about how, when and where they receive treatment is one cornerstone of the Government’s health strategy.
As of 1 January 2006, patients in England referred by their GP to a specialist will be able to choose from at least four hospitals whereby one of these may be an Independent Sector Healthcare Provider commissioned by their PCT or practice.
London Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Centre is a specialist Independent Sector Healthcare Provider working closely with PCTs and Healthcare Insurers for the benefit of our patients. We are currently working towards full participation in the Department of Health Choose and Book referral system. We offer a friendly, clean and patient-satisfaction orientated service as an alternative to the norm.
As an ‘Empowered Patient’ you now have the
right to choose where you receive NHS-funded treatment.
How To Use Our Services
1. Call us
Call London Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Centre on 0208 539 1222 if you want to discuss a particular case and referral procedures with a member of our clinical team. Important: Please leave your contact details so that we can send you an information package. In order to assist us in making a preliminary assessment of our ability to help heal your particular wound, we have developed a short Questionnaire. Please print off and fill in the form then return it to us together with any additional information such as photographs, which may be available.
2. Discuss with your Practitioner and Request a Referral
The next step is to discuss the possible benefits of visiting our specialist Wound Healing Centre with your Consultant or GP and request a formal referral to our Outpatient centre. The referral letter can be faxed or sent by post to us. Some practitioners may have little experience of working with specialist centers such as ours and we would be happy to provide you with all the necessary information in order to assist in the decision making process. Your practitioner can call us at any time to discuss further details if necessary.
3. Initial Consultation and Assessment
Within a short time we will contact you and arrange for an initial consultation and thorough assessment of your wound. The assessment will enable our multidisciplinary team to prepare a comprehensive care Program to suit your individual needs. Our team will discuss the proposed care plan and possible transport arrangements with you during your visit. You are welcome to bring along a friend or relative with you for first visit.
4. Funding of your Treatment
Our centre has established funding agreements with Healthcare Insurers and several Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and welcomes both NHS and Private Patients.We will contact your commissioning agency (PCT or Insurer) on your behalf and apply for funding approval. This process can take anything between a week and a couple of months depending on the nature of the proposed Care Plan. Your Practitioner will be sent a copy of our application letter.
5. Starting Treatment
We will contact you directly as soon as we hear back from your commissioning agency. Your PCT may request further information or even turn down our request for funding in the first instance. Our standing as a leading centre of excellence helps minimize delays in the funding process and make a successful appeal. Should you be unhappy with unnecessary delays you are free to contact the commissioning agency directly to air your views. We will contact you as soon as funding has been approved and book you in for treatment at the earliest possible opportunity.
Care Standards
All patients receive the highest possible standard of treatment irrespective of whether or not their treatment is being funded by a national healthcare agency such as the NHS, an independent healthcare Insurer, or is being paid for directly by the patient. Standards are monitored by the Healthcare Commission in accordance with national guidelines.
London Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Centre accepts In-patients
on a regular basis. Inpatient arrangements may vary according to the flexibility
of commissioning agencies and patient preferences. In-patients will either
be accommodated at Whipps Cross University Hospital (NHS) or nearby at
the Holly House or other local Private Hospitals under special arrangements.
London Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Centre is an Independent Healthcare Provider with an international reputation for assessing and successfully treating chronic wounds, particularly hypoxic wounds that have resisted healing for months and even years. Based at Whipps Cross University Hospital in NE-London since 2001, the centre has its own clean and private treatment rooms. The Centre cooperates with leading hospitals and research establishments across the UK and has an international reputation for clinical excellence.
The Centre employs a team of 18, including the medical director, hyperbaric physicians, technicians, administrative staff and nurses experienced in dealing with problem wounds on a daily basis. Clinical members of staff are mainly NHS-employees seconded to the Department for Hyperbaric and Wound Care duties. The company has direct access to all departments and facilities of our host hospital.
Research:
The Centre is committed to an active participation in clinical research. We are currently involved in a 3-year multi-centre research project co-ordinated by the Royal Marsden Hospital. The efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygenation for the treatment of radiation therapy induced Lymphodema is being investigated and other research activities are in various stages of preparation.
Education:
The Centre offers a variety of educational opportunities for Healthcare Professionals wishing to expand their knowledge of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine. Our introductory course in Hyperbaric Medicine is approved by the Royal College of Anaesthetics for CEPD-points and the company is active in the working group developing a national Diploma in Hyperbaric Medicine. The company has had anaesthetic registrars doing six months on scheme attachments and has medical students from two London medical colleges for special study modules. The company offers attachments and research opportunities for other interested parties. The company is also heavily involved in the education of A & E departments, ambulance services and other organisations into the emergency conditions for which HBO is indicated.