Enhancing health through community-based care

The Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme is a core initiative of Sláintecare. By shifting services closer to home, the programme aims to reduce hospital dependency, improve chronic disease management, and increase access to essential care. The recently published data from 2024 has highlighted its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

One of the primary goals of the ECC Programme is to reduce unnecessary acute admissions, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Community specialist teams for older people made 133,000 patient contacts in 2024. This represents a 31.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The data show 81 per cent of patients were able to return home following community-based care and only a fraction requiring acute or long-term care.

For patients with chronic diseases, the ECC Programme has contributed to a 15 per cent reduction in hospital admissions between 2019 and 2023. According to the latest data, the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme has facilitated over 645,000 GP-led patient reviews, reinforcing the role of primary care in long-term disease management.

To further improve chronic disease management, the ECC Programme has introduced 59 new integrated care (IC) consultants, whose teams completed over 117,000 patient contacts last year. These consultants have helped over 13,000 new patients through direct GP referrals and outpatient waiting lists, streamlining access to specialist care. Notably, nearly 60 per cent of these patients were seen directly from outpatient waiting lists, with 11 per cent receiving consultations within two weeks.

Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in enhancing community care. The roll-out of virtual clinics, particularly for cardiac patients, has led to an 85 per cent reduction in hospital visits for those using the heart virtual clinic service. Additionally, over 900 virtual clinics were conducted, ensuring specialist input while minimising hospital congestion.

Another development is the expansion of mobile diagnostic services, such as the mobile x-ray service. This service is now benefiting over 600 nursing homes. In 2024, over 7,000 patients were x-rayed through this initiative, with 95 per cent receiving treatment at home, eliminating the need for hospital transfers.

Beyond medical interventions, the programme has strengthened partnerships with community organisations. The charity Alone has supported over 42,000 individuals through coordinated services, including visitation support, befriending programmes, and age-friendly housing solutions. This integration of medical and social care highlights a holistic approach to patient wellbeing.

The ECC Programme represents a shift in how healthcare is delivered. By prioritising community-based care, leveraging digital innovations, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme is helping ease pressure on overburdened hospitals while contributing to better patient outcomes. As these initiatives continue to expand, they offer a model for a more sustainable and patient-centred healthcare system.