Implementation of Urgent Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Service at St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub

St Georges Health and Wellbeing Hub is a modern purpose-built facility on the former St George’s Hospital site in Suttons Lane, Hornchurch. It provides a range of health and wellbeing services in a single location, which includes a GP practice, community diagnostics, the Ageing Well Centre (Frailty), mental health services, renal dialysis, a range of BHRUT clinics, and community and social care services.  

The Geriatric service will be introducing a new offering alongside the recently launched Ageing Well Centre pathways. This will be a Directly Bookable Service (DBS) service, enabling referrers to directly access our Urgent Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment clinic without the need for prior triage. 

As of Monday 30^th June, the following service will be available to refer into:

Service Name: Geriatrics - Urgent Comprehensive Assessment - St Georges H&WH - RF4- BHRUT

Service ID: 8004388

Specialty: Geriatric Medicine

Clinic Type: Not Otherwise Specified

As this is a Directly Bookable Service with an expected appointment timeframe of 2 working days (with a maximum of 1 week) from referral, all referrals must be submitted with a supporting clinical letter. Referrals received without supporting documentation will be rejected and returned to the referrer.

We kindly ask that GPs do not provide rebooking information to patients. In the event of a cancellation, a member of the Geriatrics team will contact the patient directly to arrange a new appointment outside of e-RS . 

Please note the following services remain available for routine referrals and A&G requests:

·       Geriatrics - Comprehensive Assessment Falls Clinic -Ageing Well Centre - St Georges H&WH - RF4- BHRUT

·       Geriatric- General Comprehensive Assessment Clinic- Ageing Well Centre -St Georges H&WH- RF4 -   BHRUT

·       Geriatric Medicine 65 years and above only - King George Hospital RF4 – BHRUT

·       Geriatric Medicine - Memory Clinic- King George Hospital RF4 – BHRUT

 

 

Supporting General Practice through the EPR transition – Go Live: September 2025 

In September, the Trust will go live with a new electronic patient record (EPR) system. While most of the changes will happen inside our hospitals, there are a few important things that GP practices across our area need to be aware of.

We’re working closely with general practice colleagues to make sure you’re kept informed and supported throughout the transition. 

What’s changing? 

A short pause in data to the London Care Record 

From go-live, there will be a one-week pause in how patient data flows from BHRUT into the London Care Record. This is to ensure that information remains accurate and properly aligned as we switch systems.

GPs will still be able to view historical records, but new BHRUT updates will not appear during this period. Please continue to contact the primary care IT support desk for any questions in relation to the London care record. 

New-look discharge summaries and letters

All discharge summaries and clinical letters from our hospitals will now be created using the new EPR. These will:

• Be more structured and consistent
• Include coded diagnoses, medications, procedures and next steps
• Look slightly different to the documents you’re used to

If you are used to receiving these documents from Barts Health, they will look similar.  

Changes to test results and order communications

The way pathology and radiology results are sent may change slightly, depending on your practice setup. Some results may arrive in new formats or be flagged differently  

Your practice may wish to check that your clinical systems (e.g. EMIS, SystmOne, Docman) can process these files correctly.

Different blood test forms for some patients

Patients attending offsite phlebotomy after urgent care visits or discharge may have different-looking forms. Please reassure patients that these are valid and reflect the new system.

What changes might patients notice during the EPR go-live?

The go-live weekend and following week will bring a big change for staff at the hospital and this may take some time to adjust to.  

• Some outpatient appointments may take longer in the early weeks of the new system as staff adjust
• There may be slight delays in discharge or clinic letters being sent out
• Hospital car parks could be busier  

GPs may wish to consider this when discussing referrals or hospital visits with patients.

Keep an eye out for updates

We’ll be using usual forums and communication channels to share updates, timelines, and support resources.

Reassurance and support 

We know change brings questions and we’re here to support you. While the new EPR will primarily affect hospital systems, we’re committed to ensuring primary care continues to receive accurate, timely patient information with minimal disruption.

For IT support, please continue to contact the usual primary care IT support desk. 

If you have any concerns, or your practice would like to get involved in testing or preparation, please contact us.