Single Telephone Assessment Number (STAN)

Currently, if a GP believes that a patient needs further medical assessment following diagnosis, the patient is likely to be admitted to a medical assessment unit within a hospital. A new scheme is now being trialled whereby the GP can call the Single Telephone Assessment Number (STAN) to find the best place for unwell patients. STAN can also monitor bed capacity making sure that beds are free for emergency admissions. This is a one year pilot scheme between Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust and South East Health Ltd and is due to begin in September.