London’s Air Ambulance PRU crew shortlisted for award

The PRU is a joint collaboration between London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Barts Health NHS Trust and London Ambulance Service (LAS). It is staffed by a senior emergency medicine doctor and an ambulance clinician, and carries advanced medication, equipment and treatments usually only found in hospital. The service takes the Emergency Department to the patient, in the form of a rapid response emergency vehicle, responding to 999 calls and treating patients in their homes who would otherwise have often required an ambulance transfer to hospital.

Improving patient outcomes

Clinical Lead for the Physician Response Unit Dr Tony Joy said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for ‘Urgent and Emergency Care Initiative of the Year’ recognizing the collaborative efforts and dedication of our teams over the last 12 months to expand the PRU and establish new ways of working to provide care for more patients in their own homes throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for patients. By taking the emergency department to the patient in their home the PRU can ensure they get the right care fast, while also reducing risk for vulnerable patients by helping them avoid a trip to hospital where possible. To be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.”

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan commented: “We would like to congratulate the Physician Response Unit on being shortlisted in the ‘Urgent and Emergency Care Initiative of the Year’ category for the HSJ Value Awards 2021. This year’s finalists have not only contributed to the continued fight against the Covid-19 pandemic within the NHS but have also been exceptionally dedicated to enhancing healthcare across the UK. We are honored to be recognizing and celebrating their outstanding work after what is, no doubt, the most challenging year in the history of the NHS. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the ceremony in June."