Concentrations of 11 metals (cadmium, zinc, copper (Cu), vanadium (V), lead, magnesium (Mg), manganese, aluminum, iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and nickel), and one metalloid (arsenic (As)) were measured in sediment, common reed (Phragmites australis), algae (Spirogyra sp.), and blood worm (Chironomus sp.) tissues of samples collected from the Shoor river. Samples were dried, acid digested, and the concentrations of metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. A higher concentration of heavy metals was accumulated in Spirogyra and Chironomids than sediment and common reed. The highest rate of accumulation was found for Mg, V, Fe, As, Cu, and Cr. Spirogyra and Chironomids are capable of accumulating and thereby removing metals from polluted water bodies and are suitable for biomonitoring purposes.
28% and 14.5% of referrals were referred to community therapy and nursing, respectively and 66% of patients were provided with information on service available. The re-admission rates within 7 days and 30 days were 3% and 1.3%, respectively. Staff surveys have felt that the introduction of the service has improved the care to this group of patients. Over this short period, the number of bed days saved were 26 with a significant cost saving overall. Conclusion The introduction of a dedicated therapy service to an ambulatory setting has shown to have a role in influencing admission and the care provided to frail patients. There is still room for further education and potentially increasing capacity of the service by expanding the workforce. ■
> Data collected on a single day in ED triage showed 2/43 (4%) of paramedic referrals were seen on AAU, with no patients referred directly to take. On review of the clinical presentations, 16% could have been seen on AAU directly, and 25% could have been seen directly on the medical admissions unit. > Pre-intervention 12% of calls made to the referral phone were from paramedic team, and post intervention that rose to 26% of total calls taken. > Over a 1-week period during the pilot 73% of calls, from paramedics were directed to AAU or medical take, and therefore away from the ED. Only 17% were seen in ED. 10% were directed to other services, including specialties. > The data also suggested that the AAU South Central ambulance service patients rose from 3.8% to 13%, which has been maintained post the pilot week.
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