A Complex Care Team is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for people over 18, and their carers, who need treatment and support from a wide range of experts and organisations. (Adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs are currently supported by different teams)
Which staff work as part of that team?
Key staff include;
Community nurses
Community matrons
Occupational therapists
Social workers
Community care workers
Domiciliary Pharmacists
Representatives of local voluntary sector
Assistant Practitioners
Rapid Response staff
Physiotherapists
Community psychiatric nurses (for older people)
Approved social workers (for older people
Some public health provider staff
Complex care team co-ordinator
Joint agency administrative and clerical staff
Where are these complex care teams be based?
The core functions each complex care team are locally based to help staff work together in each part of Devon. Staff who are already appropriately based in GP practices where they undertake much of their daily work remain in this accommodation.
How is this system better?
We are able to provide a personal and proactive face-to-face service to vulnerable people with complex care needs. We aim to provide high quality and tailor-made care and services in people’s homes and in the local community. This will help us to reduce the number of hospital admissions and the number of avoidable admissions to long term care.
When were these arrangements put in place?
There was already good local evidence of integrated working in place across Devon. We expected the roll out of complex care teams to accelerate from February 2008 when the new cluster managers were in post. Completion of the roll out was May 2009.
How can members of the public contact the Complex Care Team?
In the first instance, people can phone Care Direct on 0845 155 1007 when they have a need for social care services, or the GP will refer people direct to the local complex care team.
Some frequently asked questions about Complex Care Teams
