REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP Exploring the Remote and Rural Network Mrs Fiona Grant 1 st September 2009

REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP What is an Obligate Network? A formalised arrangement, between two or more healthcare organisations that secures access to sustainable services for the whole population…. Obligate Networks – letter 4 March 2009

REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP Different Types of Obligate Network NHS Board RGH Primary Care Agreement to Adopt Obligate Network Approach Tertiary care ITU Sub-Speciality care Secondary Care Primary Care Obligatory Network 2 Clinical Decision Support & Visiting Services Obligatory Network 1 Clinical Decision Support Obligatory Network 3 Virtual Department

REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP Why is it different? MCNs are concentrate on clinical outcome and service improvement, without direct accountability for service delivery Obligate Networks exist to ensure continued service delivery Obligate Networks can be vertical – between different levels of service Or Lateral – e.g. between RGHs/CHs/Remote Practitioners

REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP What are the Clinical Benefits? Local access to a wider range of services Reduced travel for patients Support for local clinicians Maintain special interest and a wider range of skills Shorter waiting times

REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP Possible Other Benefits? Peer Support for Local Clinicians Sharing of Good Practice Central Repository Prevents of Duplication of Effort Benchmarking through Audit Other benefits………..

REMOTE AND RURAL IMPLEMENTATION GROUP Discussion Do you see the need to develop a Remote and Rural network and if so why? What would a Remote and Rural Network look like? If you were going to develop a Remote and Rural Network – how would you go about it? Who would need to be involved? What is required to ensure robust governance in each Board?