Community Matron, Kim Scarlett has nothing but praise for the new Recommended Summary for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) documentation which went live across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield in June.

The documentation allows our patients with or without capacity, to have a voice, to express their wishes, fears, and plan for the future, it gives professionals the chance to discuss expected outcomes and plan for an emergency situation. 

Kim said: When the Community Matron service was introduced to the ReSPECT document, my first thought was trepidation as it initially appeared complicated - but I put it straight into practice following my training on ESR. 

“I have completed this document several times now for patients that have capacity and have supported conversations with family, social workers, and GPs for patients who are deemed to not have capacity.

“I recently reviewed a patient who does not have capacity but is at high risk of admission. We discussed this in a multi-disciplinary meeting, including family, and identified that this patient would not do well if admitted.

“The recommendation was to be treated at home in a quick timely matter and if admission would be needed due to the nature, the patient would need one-to-one support in place.  Resuscitation status was also discussed and agreed that this would not be in the patient’s best interest. Having this document in place with the patient will support colleagues to keep the patient safe, and to act in a timely manner to ensure the patients interests are considered throughout their journey.

“My true feeling on this document following the rollout is "Wow" - this document has everything in one place: advance care planning, planning for an emergency situations and resuscitation - the value of this document for our patients is exceptional and will support them throughout.”

Read more about ReSPECT and see all the templates on the dedicated intranet page.