Hull Royal Infirmary Introduces Patient Streaming Amid High Emergency Department Demand

A new patient streaming system is being implemented to address the significant demand at the emergency department of Hull Royal Infirmary. Staff positioned at the entrance of the A&E will direct suitable cases to the adjacent urgent treatment walk-in centre. A spokesperson for City Health Care Partnership CIC, which oversees the walk-in centre, stated: “The purpose of streaming is to quickly determine the most appropriate place for a patient.” The spokesperson further noted that “The aim is to free up vital resources and relieve pressure in the hospital.” Hospitals have been under considerable strain due to increasing rates of winter illnesses, such as flu. Last week, personnel at Hull Royal were requested to wear face masks, and last month, patients were advised to bring only one relative to A&E to help free up space. The urgent treatment centre, a £2.7 million facility, opened earlier this year with the goal of reducing overcrowding and waiting times at the A&E. The spokesperson also said the new streaming system is expected to “allow us to deliver a high-quality patient-focused service at the front door.”