UCR services managed 62,607 referrals across Cheshire and Merseyside in 2025/26
Urgent Community Response (UCR) services across Cheshire and Merseyside managed 62,607 referrals during the 2025/26 financial year, according to NHS figures.
The referrals would otherwise have resulted in an Emergency Department attendance. UCR teams provide rapid assessment and treatment for adults facing an urgent health or social care crisis, with the aim of responding within two hours and helping people avoid hospital admission.
Teams can assess, diagnose and treat patients at home, as well as prescribe medication, provide rehabilitation and arrange short-term support. Referrals can come from ambulance services, GPs, community healthcare teams, care homes and social care professionals under a “No Wrong Door” approach.
UCR services achieved an average two-hour response rate of 86% across the financial year from April 2025 to March 2026, against the national target of 70%.
In May 2026, services accepted 5,197 referrals, 92% more than in May 2025. The proportion of referrals from ambulance services rose from 7% to 13%, suggesting that more patients were being directed towards community-based care instead of being taken to hospital.
One patient helped by the service was an 86-year-old man living independently in supported accommodation in Chester. After falling while boarding a minibus and becoming unable to stand, he was referred to the Cheshire West UCR Response team following a 999 call.
Clinicians assessed him at home within two hours, carrying out observations and blood tests. A GP reviewed the results and adjusted his antibiotic treatment the same day. The team also adapted the visit to account for his needle phobia.
He was later transferred to Hospital At Home for monitoring and therapy to reduce his risk of further falls. He avoided an ambulance journey and possible hospital admission, and continued recovering at home with support from his family.
Emma Danton, Head of Transformation for CMPC’s Community Programme, said: “Urgent Community Response services are a vital part of our commitment to provide more care closer to home. By bringing together health and care professionals to respond quickly when people need support most, we are helping patients avoid unnecessary hospital attendances and receive timely care in the place that is often best for their recovery – their own home.”
“The significant increase in referrals and the strong performance against national standards demonstrate the value of these services and the dedication of teams working across Cheshire and Merseyside.”
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Executive Clinical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “UCR teams work every day to support people with urgent health and care needs, providing rapid assessment, clinical interventions and ongoing care that can often prevent the need for a hospital visit.
“Community-based care can have a significant impact when services work together.
“Through a coordinated approach, people can receive the care they need at home, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, maintain their independence and gain reassurance from knowing the right support is in place. This is exactly the type of person-centred care that UCR services are designed to deliver.”
