Great to see the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board’s medical director, Dr Catherine Monaghan, featuring in the NHS England Transforming Primary Care podcast series. In the recent episode, titled “Same-day urgent respiratory care in the community – a breath of fresh air?”, Dr Monaghan joins a panel of experts to discuss the transformative impact of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) hubs on patient care – especially as the NHS prepares for the winter season.
ARI hubs are a cornerstone of the NHS’s winter preparedness strategy. These hubs provide same-day urgent respiratory care within local communities, helping to alleviate pressure on hospitals and ensuring patients receive timely, effective treatment. As Dr Monaghan explains, the development of ARI hubs has already shown significant benefits for patients, offering accessible care that is both responsive and community-centred.
This initiative aligns with the NHS’s strategic “left shift” – a move to deliver more care outside of hospital settings and into neighbourhoods. It’s a vital step in the broader transformation of primary care, supporting the 10-year plan’s vision for integrated, person-centred services.
Chaired by Liz Spice, Head of Primary Care for the North East and Yorkshire region, the episode explores:
Dr Monaghan and fellow panellists reflect on the operational challenges and successes of implementing ARI hubs, offering valuable insights for other regions looking to replicate this model.
You can tune into the episode via:
As winter approaches, the conversation around respiratory care is more relevant than ever. This episode offers a compelling look at how innovation and collaboration are reshaping primary care for the better.
