Winter Resilience Planning – Community Rapid Assessment Team

As you will be aware from previous years, the winter months can bring significant challenges for service providers across all sectors and major pressure on primary and secondary care services

As part of Blackburn with Darwen’s Winter Resilience Planning Programme we are updating key partners on the range of resources available, this update provides information on the Community Rapid Assessment Team..  

Community Rapid Assessment Team

What is the Community Rapid Assessment Team?

The Community Rapid Assessment Team works alongside other community professionals to maintain a person’s independence at home. The Rapid Assessment Team can provide a multi-disciplinary assessment and support service to prevent avoidable admission to hospital, urgent care departments or emergency respite care.

What does the team do?

The team assesses abilities such as mobility, balance and range movement.  They may also take clinical observations, such as blood pressure, blood or urine tests etc.  They will also provide interventions for up to 96 hours including equipment and a rehabilitation programme which is designed to support and promote independence at home.  The team can also co-ordinate crisis support and admission to an Intermediate Care Unit/Community Rehabilitation service if appropriate.

The service is therapy led and includes:

• Occupational Therapy;

• Physiotherapy;

• Community Nursing;

• Rehabilitation Nursing and;

• Assistant Care Practitioners.

Who can access the service?

Anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a Blackburn with Darwen GP can access this service.

How are patients referred to the service?

Patients are referred to the service by a healthcare professional such as:

• GP;

• District Nurse;

• Community Matron or;

• Care Manager.

Where are patients seen?

Patients are seen at home or in some circumstances in the Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital.

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday    8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Contact telephone numbers:

Telephone:                 01254 584 539

Mobile telephone:     07957 440 976

For more information please contact:

The Innovation Centre

1 Evolution Park

Haslingden Road

Blackburn

BB1 2FD

Telephone:     01254 584 539

Fax:                01254 584 576