Eight weeks worth of patient care achieved in one day
Eight weeks of worth of patient care was achieved in one day at the first Tower Hamlets community appointment day.
The borough’s Town Hall, which is opposite The Royal London Hospital, was transformed into a community health centre on Tuesday 24 June, inviting more than 450 musculoskeletal patients from waiting lists for immediate access to physiotherapy and specialist consultations.
"This is about more than just reducing waiting lists," explained Simon Cannon, deputy head of therapies for outpatients for The Royal London and Mile End hospitals.
"We're demonstrating how healthcare can be delivered closer to patients, making it more accessible and less intimidating, while focusing on prevention rather than just treatment."
Patients accessed physiotherapy, pain management, dietetics, pharmacy and women's health services, alongside a community hub featuring 40 local support groups and services, moving healthcare out of clinical settings and into the heart of the community.
The day included health screenings, liver health assessments via a mobile unit, and expert clinical consultations. Each patient used a "patient passport" to ensure continuity of care and appropriate follow-up appointments.
Arv, a local resident and patient who was seen on the day said: “I had a back injury and some knee pain, so I came along to get advice. It’s been a great community atmosphere with other people also getting seen at the same time. I was seen very quickly, and I’ve now been given exercises to take forward for rehabilitation.”
By bringing services directly to patients, the initiative reduces barriers to care while potentially improving health outcomes.