The Finney House Community Healthcare Hub in Preston recently hosted visitors from the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) as a model of best practice.
The GHA delivers primary, secondary and mental health care for its population of just over 30,000 using a model similar to the British National Health Service and is directed by former Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ Chief Executive, Kevin McGee OBE.
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals took over the lease of Finney House in November 2022 and all 96 beds at the facility, with the first two floors allowing the Trust to discharge patients from both Royal Preston and Chorley Hospitals who no longer need specialist care in an acute bed, freeing up space for those who need urgent and emergency medical care. On the top floor, the Trust continues to provide care for Local Authority or private residents, while people with dementia are also looked after at the facility.
In attendance from the GHA were Jolyn Gonzalez, ERS Nursing Coordinator, Dr Antonio Marin, Geriatric Consultant, Javier Rojas, Clinical Nurse Manager and Judith Woods, Physiotherapist, welcomed by the Trust’s Sarah Cullen, Chief Nursing Officer, Claire Granato, Chief AHP, Camella Cardinael, Physiotherapy Service Lead, Melanie Przybysz, Community Service Manager and Kate Connolly, Matron.
Matron Kate showed the visitors around the first two floors, the Buttercup and Meadow Units, while there was an opportunity to meet with the teams and observe a practice/therapy session.
There was a further observation in practice, before looking at patient pathways, flow in and out of the units and collaborative working, including therapy pathways and treatments, admission and discharge, a meet with the wider teams - the discharge team, IDS, social care and therapy team leads, a Q&A and an opportunity to observe a therapy session.
Sarah Cullen felt the visit was hugely beneficial: “It was fantastic to welcome our colleagues from Gibraltar. They were such motivated, knowledgeable individuals with a real passion for care in the right place for older people.
“We learned lots by listening to their approach to anticipatory clinical management plans and we shared our approach to Finney House and moving care out of the hospital setting.
“It was a really good day that emphasised how much we have to be proud of in relation to Finney House and its role in our system.
“A big thankyou is owed to our teams who ensured the day ran smoothly and showcased their passion and enthusiasm.”
The GHA delegation added: “The Gibraltar Health Authority team had a highly productive site visit to assess the care delivery model at Finney House. Thank you for allowing us to visit.”
