The Rapid Access Care Unit (RACU) are based at Townlands hospital offering ambulatory (non-bed based) care to the local population of patients registered with an Oxfordshire GP Practice.

Patients have to be referred to this service by healthcare professionals. The team consists of nurses, doctors healthcare assistants, paramedics, nurse associate, physiotherapist, occupational therapists and a team administrator.

The process of RACU is to offer a one-stop, patient centred holistic service. Patients are offered multidisciplinary assessments and treatments on site. They deliver clinically effective, evidence-based treatments that will reduce demands on secondary care. They also aim to support individuals in their own environment to avoid admission to the acute services.

The team’s goal is to provide the highest standard in care and a positive patient experience, and their patients clearly agree. One explained:

“On arrival I was greeted by a very efficient and friendly team who could not have been more caring. I was there all day, we were offered drinks and freshly made sandwiches throughout my stay, we could not have received better care anywhere, private or otherwise.”

Another service user said: “It was prompt, thorough, thoughtful and compassionate.” While another highlighted the “Friendly staff, very efficient and thorough.”

A final reviewer said:

“Everything was outstanding. The care, compassion, friendliness towards my mum was faultless. They explained everything clearly, listened carefully an nothing was too much. Every member of staff at RACU introduced themselves in a friendly way.

“The care was extremely thorough and they showed great respect for mum doing everything.”

Find out more about this service https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/service_description/rapid-access-care-unit-racu/