Mersey Care's winter plan helps relieve pressures on NHS Cheshire and Merseyside services

Mersey Care has exceeded its own expectations in helping to reduce the impact on NHS Cheshire and Merseyside services with more than 57,000 potential bed days saved - 26 percent more than originally planned - during the busy winter period.

Data compiled until the end of March 2024 showed increased numbers of two-hour urgent community response referrals compared to the previous year, and community mental health teams working alongside urgent care colleagues to reduce pressures within A&E departments.

Despite decreases in referrals to COVID related services such as nMABS (neutralising monoclonal antibodies),  there has been significant increases in the numbers of patients managed via respiratory and heart failure Virtual Wards.

It has allowed Mersey Care to save the equivalent of 313 beds provided within the community, 65 more than the original plan.

Once again, this year’s winter plan was also supported by a successful communications and marketing campaign.