The Impact of the Advanced Practitioner Role in SDEC/ED/UCC – London North West Hospital Trust
Advanced Practitioners (APs) play a critical role in improving patient care and operational efficiency within Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), Emergency Departments (ED), and Urgent Care Centres (UCC) at London North West Healthcare (LNWH). Their work significantly enhances patient flow, reduces delays, and drives better outcomes.
1. Autonomous Clinical Decision-Making
APs assess, diagnose, and manage patients independently, reducing reliance on registrars and consultants, and supporting efficient, high-quality care delivery.
2. Improved Access and Timely Treatment
Nurse-led pathways streamline patient flow, reducing wait times and enabling rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment—leading to timely discharges and improved patient satisfaction.
3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
APs work across primary care, community services, and acute teams to support coordinated care, reduce unnecessary admissions, and redirect patients to appropriate settings.
4. Enhanced Patient Flow
APs lead on pathway redesign and service development, contributing to more efficient systems that improve care quality and reduce pressure on front-line services.
This example illustrates the value and versatility of Advanced Practitioners in urgent and emergency care. Their presence supports the NHS’s Three Shifts—bringing care closer to the community, making better use of workforce skill mix, and preventing unnecessary admissions.