Mid Trent Critical Care Network

The Mid Trent Critical Care Network is a collaborative partnership between service providers and PCT commissioners who jointly review, plan, commission and oversee the clinical development of the service within a clearly defined geographical area.

The Network was formally established in April 2000 to ensure equitable access and care for all critically ill patients within the Mid Trent Region. The Network structure allows for the integration of both managerial and clinical staff. By working together, the Network has developed a common approach for planning and delivering the needs of the critically ill patient. All the critical care units in the Network continue to work together to share best practice so that critically ill patients within the region receive the highest level of care. Over the years, this commitment to sharing and learning has in many instances prevented duplication of effort and resources.

The establishment of the Network has provided additional capacity including funding to support the development of new posts as well as a reduction in the number of non-clinical transfers.

The Network has implemented a very clear and effectively designed organisational structure, which ensures clear lines of accountability, effective two-way communication and clearly defined work streams. The added value of the Network hinges around the ability to link clinicians with each other and to managers, commissioners and the wider health community in what is a high-cost but low-volume speciality. This has enabled clinicians and commissioners to gain an expert view point that spans organisational boundaries.

Useful documents

Network website: www.midtrentccn.nhs.uk
Network contact: Sue Shepherd, sue.shepherd@emas.nhs.uk, tel: 07789 224436