A new system to help refer patients to the right care and support they need as quickly as possible has been rolled out in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Strata Health’s electronic platform is helping streamline referrals across our health and care system, from GP to hospital services.

Strata received almost 1,000 referrals in its first two days and currently has over 2,500 users, with that number expected to grow as more features come online.

The platform’s network of more than 250 referring sites and its clinical portal enable seamless patient transfers across three integrated transfer of care hubs (ITOCs) and 15 primary care clinical pathways.

Looking ahead, it will allow the integrated care system to track and monitor important performance indicators, such as accepting ITOC referrals within 15 minutes and the triage process within 30 minutes.

Chris Reid, GP and chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, said: “We welcome the introduction of the Strata referrals platform, which is already benefitting patients and clinicians across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“From GP to hospital services, Strata is a faster, more comprehensive and integrated way to refer patients to the right care and support they need”.

The project and contract for partners is being managed by the NHS’s Cornwall IT Services (CITS). 

Its senior responsible officer Kelvyn Hipperson said: “Strata replaces a solution that was implemented very quickly during the covid-19 pandemic. With Strata, we now have a platform that can be developed further to continue to improve the visibility and effectiveness of patient referrals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The collaboration by partners from across our health and care system has been an important part of this project, and we look forward to continuing that engagement during future phases.”