Cumbria Health on Call Leading Innovation for Primary Care Cumbria Health on Call (CHoC) has been providing out-of-hours primary care to the expanding population of Cumbria for 22 years; covering approximately 528,000 people across a varied and challenging geographical footprint of 6,768 km². Such a vast geographic area is no easy feat and requires an extensive team of staff; including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, call handlers, treatment centre staff, drivers, and a fleet of 4x4 vehicles ready to safely transport clinicians to patients in need. CHoC was the first out-of-hours service in the country to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. More recently, CHoC was announced as the North champion in the ‘Excellence in Primary Care’ award for the forthcoming NHS70 Parliamentary Award - vying against three other regional champions from across England, with the overall winner announced at a ceremony in Westminster Palace on 4th July 2018. The plaudits CHoC has achieved can be partly attributable to the continuous innovations CHoC has carried out in the advancement of its service.
“CHoC is uniquely placed to introduce innovation into the Cumbrian healthcare system, by being fleet of foot to flex our workforce in response to both rising pressures in the healthcare system and demonstrating willingness to effectively work with partners. Both hospital avoidance schemes and the use of technology have meant that CHoC can manage patients effectively and safely within community settings, thus reducing overall pressure in the healthcare system.” - Susan Blakemore, CHoC Chief Executive
36 Together we Inspire
