Our pharmacy teams regularly use the P2P line during the OOHs period to support patients access to care…but what support is available to our teams and patients in hours? Consultant Connect is available in hours.
What is Consultant Connect?
Consultant Connect is a professional-to-professional advice line (not for public use) providing Community Pharmacists with direct access to a senior clinical decision maker during core hours. This is a local line operated by clinicians in Lanarkshire. This line is currently available to a number of healthcare professionals including GPs, Ambulance and Hospital at Home. Each CP will have their own individual number to contact, your sites number will have been emailed to your clinical mailbox. Keep this saved in the pharmacy / pharmacy telephone.
Why do we need Consultant Connect?
Better navigation of patients both in hours and out of hours reduces pressures on A&E departments, allowing them to focus their care on those that truly need it. Consultant Connect supports same-day patient navigation within the community and aims to improve patient flow while reducing avoidable pressure on A&E and NHS 24.
How does this differ from the P2P line?
| Consultant Connect | P2P |
| Operates 8am – 6pm Weekdays | Operates 6pm – 8am Weekdays |
| Does not operate weekends/public holidays | Does operate weekends/public holidays |
| Direct line to a clinician | Direct line to a non-clinical call handler |
| Outcome communicated directly during initial phone call unless further assessment needed, in which case the clinician will contact the patient directly within 1 hour | Non-clinical call handler transfer details to a dashboard. Dashboard actioned within two hours. Clinician calls the pharmacy back re outcome/further discussion. P2P may contact patient if specified. |
When should I use Consultant Connect?
Similar to the P2P line, Consultant Connect can be used for when:
· A patient requires same-day urgent care that is not life threatening
· A patient falls out with a PGD
· A Pharmacist requires clinical advice to support Independent Prescribing
· A patient has been assessed by the CP as needing a same day GP appointment but no appointments are available and/or GP does not offer same day appointments. If the patient requires a routine and/or non-urgent appointment they should be directed to contact their own GP.
· A patient may have otherwise attended A&E for an non-life-threatening condition
What outcomes can I expect from Consultant Connect?
Outcomes will be determined by clinical need and may include advice, prescription, or onward referral as appropriate.
If further assessment is required:
· Consultant Connect will contact the patient directly within 1 hour
· The patient does not need to remain on the premises however they may need to return if a script is issued
Is there any support materials available?
We are hoping to produce a leaflet shortly however in the meantime why not hear from the FNC team directlyhttps://vimeo.com/1122156678/414845bbee?fl=pl&fe=sh