Led by highly skilled critical care nurses and clinicians, the team responds rapidly to patients whose conditions may be deteriorating, ensuring early intervention and preventing avoidable admissions to intensive care wherever possible. At Grantham hospital a daytime service provides a similar level of cover.
Working closely with ward staff, they offer expert assessment, monitoring, and guidance on complex cases, helping to deliver safe, high-quality care at the bedside. The team also supports patients transitioning out of intensive care, promoting recovery and continuity of care. With a focus on education, they empower healthcare professionals through training and advice, strengthening patient safety hospital-wide.
At Lincoln and Pilgrim sites, the Critical Care Outreach Team also provide a 24/7 service aimed at responding to concerns around in-patient deterioration. Named Call for Concern, or Martha’s Rule, this allows for early recognition and reporting of deterioration by patients, their friends and families (Call for Concern – United Lincolnshire Hospitals).
Compassionate, responsive, and highly experienced, the Critical Care Outreach Team plays a vital role in identifying risk early, improving outcomes, and providing reassurance to patients, families, and staff at any time of day or night.