Marney Pugh-Roberts
ANP Care homes lead
Margate and Mockets PCN
The Challenge
As care homes were emerging from the Covid pandemic, winter pressures and norovirus, in November 2021 Marney noticed that a number of residents had not been assessed and screened for eligibility for pneumonia and shingles vaccination. At the same time, there was evidence that hospital admissions for pneumonia had increased. Vaccination is a first-line protection for people at risk of pneumonia in care home settings.
Pneumonia vaccines are a first line protection for residents who are at risk of pneumonia in the care home setting.
The Innovation
Marney Implemented pre-screening measures for all care home residents to assess their eligibility for pneumonia and shingles vaccination. Using practice registers, she conducted a search to establish the scale of the targeted intervention required.
Once the data had been reviewed, letters informing residents about vaccine eligibility were sent out.
Marney made sure sufficient vaccine stock was available and worked with her team to ensure swift deployment of vaccinations, effectively bridging the gaps in care and safeguarding vulnerable residents.
In addition, she reviewed the outstanding treatment escalation plans post Covid.
The Impact
- Patients: All eligible residents fully vaccinated, with increased autonomy and involvement in healthcare decisions.
- Staff: Improved awareness of vaccine availability and when to escalate issues.
- System: Reduction in A&E attendances for pneumonia and improved relationships with the care home sector across the PCN.
