The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough High Impact Use Service aims to support frequent attenders at Addenbrooke’s, Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke Hospital A&E departments who are coming for social and environmental reasons rather than or as well as health reasons. Working in partnership with the ICB, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities team is hosting the service which launched in October 2024 for an initial 18 month period.
What we do
Using a personalised approach, the High Impact Use Link Workers take time to build trust and to understand those that are referred to the service. Common areas of support include:
- Time and a listening ear
- Help to navigate and to be heard in the health system
- Identification and support to access the services they need, e.g. housing, mental health, debt management, drug and alcohol services, specialist health services
- Practical help to get to services and appointments
- Provision of basic items needed for daily living
- Support to manage anxieties and de-escalation
- Connection to community activities and support
- Support to build resilience and manage relationships
Who can access it?
- Over 18s
- Those registered with a Cambridgeshire or Peterborough GP
- Those who have attended an A&E department more than 10 times in the last year
- Reasons for attending A&E are likely to be more social and environmental than medical, e.g. health anxiety, addiction, loneliness, homelessness, isolation
- Likely to benefit and engage with the service
How is it accessed?
Referrals are currently via hospital staff only.
For more information, contact the HIU Service Managers, Joe Gilbert joe.gilbert@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or Mary Barnes mary.barnes@cambridgeshire.gov.uk