Rapid response teams must not divert resources away from other services, say clinicians

NHS England has announced plans to create multidisciplinary rapid response teams that will provide support for older people and adults with complex health needs who have very urgent care needs. However, clinicians have warned that the plans must not divert staff and funding away from existing services or place additional pressure on them.

The rapid response teams, which will be piloted at seven sites in England, will comprise a mix of NHS staff including GPs, specialty and associate specialist doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, and social care staff.

Backed by £14m of investment, the teams will launch in April, aiming to get at least three areas fully up and running by next winter. NHS England said that the teams would …