Hundreds of thousands of older and frail patients are set to receive urgent treatment from home this winter, as part of NHS plans to manage additional pressure.

Rapid teams, based in local neighbourhoods, will be attending less clinically urgent calls within two hours and will be able to treat patients for a range of conditions and issues at home.

Nationwide teams will be treating people for falls, diabetes support, confusion and more, quickly and effectively in their home, and therefore preventing hospital admissions.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: “By sending these dedicated teams out to homes or care homes, hundreds of thousands of patients – mainly those who are elderly or frail – have been able to benefit from quick, efficient and comfortable urgent care in their own home – whether it’s support after a fall, help with catheter problems, or urgent diabetes help.

“These teams are helping to reform the way we deliver care in the NHS – helping us make the shift from hospital to community as part of plans for the future through the 10 Year Plan. Not only is this better for patients, but it is better for the NHS too, particularly as we manage what is already a busy winter for staff.

“NHS staff, as ever, are doing an incredible job in managing the additional pressure and the public can play their part too by using services as they normally would – use A&E or call 999 with a serious injury or in a life threatening emergency and 111 for urgent health needs.”