Rapid Response Team

We provide a short acting service that enables service users to stay at home during a time of crisis. Our aim is to avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital.

Individuals receive care and treatment in their own home following a multidisciplinary assessment, they may also have equipment provided to support care at home.

All our staff are registered and regulated by the ‘Health Professions Council (HPC)’

Is your therapist registered with the HPC?

Admission Criteria 

• The service is available across South Kirklees
• The service is targeted at individuals aged 65 or over but is accessible for those over 18 where appropriate
• The service user must be experiencing a short-term crisis
• Referrals received out of hours will be accepted by the evening and night nursing service (ENNS)
• The service user’s needs must be met safely within their own home and with their consent
• The individual must be medically fit to remain at home and if necessary have been seen by a GP.

Referrals are accepted from the following: 

• General practitioners (GPs)
• Accident and Emergency Department (HRI)
• Clinical Decisions Unit (HRI)
• District Nurses
• Social Services
• Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS)
• Rehabilitation services
• Mental Health Services
• Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) at HRI
• Community Therapists
• Other Intermediate Care Services

The service works on a needs-led basis. All referrals are responded to as quickly as possible.

A care package is planned to meet individual needs. Practical assistance is given around activities of daily living e.g. personal care and meal preparation. An individual’s progress will be checked regularly and the care will be reduced as needed.

Rapid Response does not support individuals with long term home care needs. If ongoing home care is required this is discussed with the individual and a referral to social services is made.

Rapid Response is provided free to residents in the Huddersfield area. There may be a charge for mainstream home care following a financial assessment by a Social Worker.

Rapid Response can also access and refer on to the following services: 

• Intermediate Care Beds – Holme Valley Memorial Hospital and Oakmoor
• Social Services
• Community Rehabilitation Services
• Community Therapists
• Community Psychiatric Nurses
• District Nurses
• Wheelchair Services
• Voluntary Agencies
• Other Specialist Services
• GP-Led Beds/Flagship Scheme

Where an individual’s needs cannot be met by the Rapid Response Service, and to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital sometimes it is necessary to consider a stay within a Nursing Home environment.

To meet the criteria for GP Led Beds the individual must require nursing care for an acute illness or infection that can be treated within a care home environment until the acute episode is resolved with a maximum stay of two weeks.

Referrals can only be accepted by the individual’s GP. The GP must continue to provide medical treatment and support during the episode. The decision to admit to an appropriate nursing home will be determined by the Rapid Response Team following a multidisciplinary team assessment.

Fartown Health Centre, Spaines Road, Fartown, Huddersfield HD2 2QA. There is a car park at the front of the building although spaces can sometimes be limited. From the front of the building directions to the Rapid Response offices are clearly sign posted.

Team Leader (Physiotherapist)

Nurses

Occupational Therapists

Physiotherapists

Technical Instructors

Social Workers

Care Co-ordinators

Clerical Support

Team of social service carers

Mental Health Support Worker