A NEW specialist ambulance vehicle is being stationed at Weeley as part of a project to help patients who suffer a fall in north east Essex.

The new Early Intervention Vehicles (EIV) are being rolled out across the region to help patients in their own homes, saving unnecessary visits to over-stretched A&E departments and saving money for the NHS. The service will also be used to help and support patients to avoid falls in the future.

The initiative comes following a successful trial in Norfolk last year by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).

Thanks to the care provided, more than 60 per cent of the 300 patients helped over four months did not require transport to hospital.

It was estimated the vehicle helped to save £200,000 by reducing hospital admissions and relieving pressure on ambulance resources.

Glenn Young, head of emergency operations for Suffolk and North-East Essex, joined Clacton MP Giles Watling and Essex County Council’s deputy councillor responsible for health and adult social care Chris Whitbread to unveil the vehicle in Weeley last week.

Mr Young said: “One in five of all 999 calls to the ambulance service are to patients who have suffered a fall.

“Getting an assessment there and then from a range of healthcare professionals means a better patient experience - and they are supported to stay in their own homes.

“We will also use the vehicle to respond to patients that benefit from earlier support, who have not fallen but who are still unwell – especially those with terminal conditions or complex needs.”

“We’ve seen in other parts of the region the great success this scheme has had. I’m excited to be working with our partners from the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Essex County Council to bring this service to the public.”

The vehicles are staffed by a clinician from the ambulance service and an occupational therapist. They will work with patients who need help and support to avoid falls in the future.

Mr Watling added: “This new vehicle will play a crucial role in reducing the pressure on our local health services and double staffed ambulances. This is an innovative development, which will benefit all service users.

“I was pleased to be able to help launch this new vehicle. I would also like to thank the ambulance service for all their efforts to make this a reality.”